Master Sergeant Amber S. Grimes performs as a vocalist in the Heartland of America Band, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. In addition to her musical duties, she serves as the Section Chief of Readiness.
A native of Columbus, Georgia, MSgt Grimes started her career as a Supply Journeyman in Korea, which she continued in Ramstein, Germany. During her four-year assignment in Germany, she toured the world for one year with the Air Force’s expeditionary entertainment group, Tops in Blue. This prestigious ensemble served as Air Force Ambassadors spreading goodwill and alliance to stateside and overseas locations.
After her tour she was hand-selected as a team member for a special six-month deployment to ‘Camp Andy’ in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She worked closely with Red Horse, Communications, and Transportation Squadrons to help build the base we now know as Al Udeid in Doha, Qatar.
After separating from active duty for a time, MSgt Grimes reenlisted in 2005 as a vocalist with the Air Force Bands, and served with the Bands in five assignments as outlined below. As the sole vocalist in the SHAPE Band, MSgt Grimes performed in seven languages as a soloist, and with five diverse ensembles.
Sergeant Grimes has performed for millions of people and has shared the stage with Take 6, comedian Sinbad, and jazz legend Darmin Meader. She has also been deployed 5 times to various locations.
During a 75 percent manning turnover, MSgt Grimes served above her rank as the Director of Operations. Her logistical expertise, and meticulous attention to detail enabled her to lead a four-member team in the successful coordination of 150 missions for 7 groups, including two televised NASCAR events viewed by millions of people in 135 countries spanning six continents. The NASCAR events were the biggest form of international representation in the band’s 35-year history.
She holds two Associate’s degrees from the Community College of the Air Force, and is currently working towards her Bachelor of Business Management degree from University of Maryland University College.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, baking and writing songs.