Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Jason Hammers has served as a saxophonist in the United States Air Force (USAF) Heritage of America Band since 2019. He performs with Rhythm in Blue Jazz ensemble, the Concert Band, and the Ceremonial Band. He is also a member of the band’s library staff.
Prior to joining the Air Force, SrA Hammers was a freelance saxophonist. 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, released in 2018. He has also been in demand as a woodwind doubler, performing on clarinets and flutes in musicals such as Avenue Q and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. 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. SrA Hammers received his Bachelor of Music in Saxophone Performance and Jazz Studies from Christopher Newport University in Newport News, VA in 2009 and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA in 2010.
EDUCATION
2009 Bachelor of Arts in Saxophone Performance, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA
2010 Master of Music in Jazz Studies, University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA
2024 Airman Leadership School, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia
ASSIGNMENTS
1. 2019 - present, USAF Heritage of America Band, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award
Air Force good Conduct Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
National Service Defense Medal
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman 1st Class 16 Sep 2019
Senior Airman 16 Nov 2021
Staff Sergeant 1 April 2024
(Current as of July 2024)