SSgt James E. Nufer is a Regional Bandsman at the United States Air Force Band of Flight, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He performs musical duties as a trumpeter in the band’s brass and rock ensembles and manages civic outreach operations.
SSgt Nufer entered the Air Force in January 2020 following a career as a freelance musician. Upon completion of Basic Military Training in March 2020, he was assigned to the United States Air Force Band of Flight. In his six years with the band, he has held multiple duties within the band’s resources, operations, and publicity shops, and performed outreach missions to audiences across the state of Ohio.
EDUCATION
2009 Bachelor of Music, Trumpet Performance, Lawrence University, Appleton, Wis.
2011 Master of Music, Trumpet Performance, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wis.
2024 Airman Leadership School, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
ASSIGNMENTS or CAREER CHRONOLOGY
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March 2020 – present, Regional Band, Trumpet, USAF Band of Flight, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal
Air and Space Outstanding Unit Award with oak leaf cluster
AF Good Conduct Medal with oak leaf cluster
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon
Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon with star device
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2023 Airman of the Year, Air Force Band of Flight
2023 Outstanding Communication Airman of the Year, Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
2025 Noncommissioned Officer of the Year, Air Force Band of Flight
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class January 14, 2020
Senior Airman May 14, 2022
Staff Sergeant June 1, 2024
(Current as of MARCH 2026)