Senior Airman Jeffery Johnson plays drum set in the USAF Heartland of America band, stationed at Offutt AFB, NE. In addition to his musical duties, SrA Johnson serves the musical director of Raptor, safety rep, GPC cardholder, and as an RTA.
Originally from Fayetteville North Carolina, A1C Johnson excelles as a disciplined academic achiever as well as an accomplished music performer. He’s performed with renowned artists such as Bradford Marsalis, Joey Caderazzo, Nnenna Freelon, Delfeayo Marsalis, Lisa Simone, and R&B recording artist Mario Barrett. He was also fortunate to compete with the NCCU Jazz band at the inaugural Jack Rudin Jazz Championship, hosted at Jazz at Lincoln Center in 2020.
A1C Johnson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Commercial Music with a concentration in Music Business from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He furthered is education by earning a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) under the direction of Dr. Ira Wiggins. NCCU gave him the opportunity to study with an array of music professionals such as Branford Marsalis, Joey Calderazzo, Dr. Brian Horton, Dr. Lenora Helm-Hammonds, Barron Tymas, Robert Trowers, Damon Brown, and Thomas Taylor.
Prior to joining the Air Force, A1C Johnson earned his living as a full-time music professional as he taught private music lessons, arranged charts, performed for commercial and corporate events, and was the Music Director for his local church.
Education:
2012 Bachelor of Arts in Music (Commercial Music) UNC Pembroke, Pembroke, NC
2020 Master of Music Jazz Studies (Composition) North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
Assignments:
2021 – Present USAF Heartland of America Band, Offutt AFB, NE
- April 2025 - July 2025, USAFCENT Band, Al Udeid AB, Qatar
Awards and Decorations:
Air and Space achievement Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Basic Military Training Honor Graduate
AF Training Ribbon