Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Jason Hammers serves as saxophonist in the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band. Originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia, SSgt Hammers received his Bachelor of Music with concentrations in both Saxophone Performance and Jazz Studies from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia in 2009 and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2010.
SSgt Hammers was a freelance saxophonist and educator prior to joining the Air Force. He performed throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area with many ensembles, including the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra, with whom he appears on the recordings Bohemiana: The Compositions and Arrangements of Dan Roberts. Additionally, in 2018 he was featured as a part of the Ladies of Jazz Concert, celebrating International Jazz Month in conjunction with the Embassy of the United States in New Delhi, India.
Since joining the United States Air Force, some of his most memorable performances include a halftime show for the Miami Dolphins’ Salute to Service, as well as the memorial service for Brigadier General Chuck Yeager.
EDUCATION
2009, Bachelor of Arts, Saxophone Performance, Jazz Studies, Christopher Newport University
2010, Master of Music, Jazz Studies, University of the Arts
2024, Airman Leadership School, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia
ASSIGNMENTS
1. US Air Force Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia (September 2019-present)
AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
National Service Defense Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2024 Colonel Finley R. Hamilton Outstanding Military Musician Award
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman 1st Class 16 Sep 2019
Senior Airman 16 Nov 2021
Staff Sergeant 1 April 2024
(Current as of February 2025)