Technical Sergeant Kayla Richardson is a vocalist with the United States Air Force Academy Band, Peterson SFB, Colorado. Prior to joining the USAF Academy Band She was assigned at USAF Band of the Golden West. She received her bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas in 2016 and continued on with her 12 year career of performing and traveling with various bands.
TSgt Richardson has spent the majority of her career as a vocalist who specializes in popular music styles, to include jazz, pop, rock, and country. In addition, she has studied voice extensively, teaching vocal technique, jazz technique, and stage presence to a countless number of students. She has shared the stage with notable artists such as Kurt Elling, Jo Lowry, the New York Voices, and Bobby McFerrin. In addition, she has recorded multiple projects with her own personal band, and with the University of North Texas Jazz Singers.
EDUCATION
2012 High School Diploma, Fife High School, Milton, WA
2016 Jazz Studies, Vocal BM, University of North Texas, Denton, TX
2021 Airman Leadership School, Travis AFB, CA
2022 NCO Academy, Sheppard AFB, TX
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Aug 2017 – Oct 2017, Basic Military Training, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX
2. Oct 2017 – Oct 2021, Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, California
3. Oct 2021 – Present, United States Air Force Academy Band, Peterson SFB, CO
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Medal
Air and Space Achievement Medal, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
Meritorious Unit Award
AF Good Conduct Medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Afghanistan Campaign Medal, 1 Service Star
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, 1 Service Star
Air and Space Training Ribbon
EFFECTIVE DATE OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class October 22, 2017
Senior Airman December 2019
Technical Sergeant October 2021
(CURRENT AS OF APRIL 2024)