Master Sergeant Jesse Thompson serves as guitarist and Section Chief, Resources for the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He performs on guitar in the “Shades of Blue” jazz ensemble and in various ceremonial and protocol groups. As Section Chief, he leads a 24-member resources team, advises the Commander on budget planning/execution, oversees 10 cost-centers, manages 14 Government Purchase Cards, safeguards $6M in facilities, & directs travel funds for a 61-member unit.
Originally from Wichita, KS, MSgt Thompson is a graduate of the University of North Texas where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. His military career began in July 2008, reporting to the United States Band of the West after completing Basic Military Training. In August 2010, he was assigned to the Air Force Band of the Pacific Hawaii, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Prior to his current position, MSgt Thompson was stationed with the United States Air Force Academy Band, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado from August 2013 to July 2021.
EDUCATION
2006 - Bachelor of Music, Jazz Studies, University of North Texas
2011 – Airman Leadership School, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
2017 – Associate of Applied Science, Music, Community College of the Air Force
2018 – Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, Peterson Air Force Base
ASSIGNMENTS
- July 2008 – August 2008, Basic Military Training, Lackland AFB, TX
- August 2008 – August 2010, USAF Band of the West, Lackland AFB, TX
- August 2010 – August 2013, USAF Band of the Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI
- August 2013 – July 2021, USAF Academy Band, Peterson AFB, CO
- July 2021 – Present, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, IL
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Achievement Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters
Meritorious Unit Award
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award with 3 oak leaf clusters
AF Good Conduct Medal with 4 oak leaf clusters
Air and Space Recognition Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Overseas Service Ribbon Long
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
Air and Space Longevity Service Award with 2 oak leaf clusters
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon with 1 oak leaf cluster
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class, 15 July 2008
Senior Airman, 15 November 2010
Staff Sergeant, 1 July 2012
Technical Sergeant, 1 December 2017
Master Sergeant, 1 November 2022
(Current as of June 2024)