Staff Sergeant Nathaniel McKay is a trumpet player with the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA. Originally from Lake Jackson, TX, his Air Force Career began in 2018.
SSgt McKay is a 2018 graduate of Texas State University, San Marcos, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance with an emphasis in Jazz. His teachers include Dr. Keith Winking, Dr. Stephen Hawk, Dr. Russell Haight, and Dr. Utah Hamrick. SSgt McKay has performed with many of Austin and San Antonio’s most recognizable big bands and small groups including the NOW Orchestra, The Parker Jazz Club House Band, The Vintage 15 Big Band, The Christian Wiggs Big Band, The Powerhouse Big Band, Doc Watkins and his Orchestra, the King William Jazz Collective, and Gato 6. SSgt McKay can be heard playing trumpet and flugelhorn on the album, From Dusk till Dawn, released in 2017 by Austin-based vocalist, Christian Wiggs, as well as, New Places, released in 2018 by Austin-based pianist, Donald Collins Jr.
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
1. Air and Space Achievement Medal
2. Air Force Good Conduct Medal
3. National Defense Service Medal
4. Global War on Terrorism Service mEdal
5. Air and Space Longevity Service Award
6. USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
7. Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon (Rifle)
8. Air and Space Training Ribbon
ASSIGNMENTS:
August 2018 - present, 3N171Q, Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA USA
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:
2019 - Musician of the Quarter, Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA USA
2021 - Airman of the Year, Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, CA USA
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Staff Sergeant - March 2023
Senior Airman - September 2020
Airman First Class - May 2018