Senior Airman Jonah Kelly is a trumpet player in the USAF Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan. SrA Kelly joined the Air Force in October 2021, finishing basic training in November. He began his career with the Band of Mid-America as a member of the Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble in January 2022, also joining the concert and ceremonial bands shortly after. In August, he joined Starlifter, one of the pop/rock bands at the Band of Mid-America. A year later, he joined the brass quintet as both trumpeter and operations representative. During his time with the Band of Mid-America, SrA Kelly has represented the Air Force in 12 states and 7 countries.
SrA Kelly deployed in April 2023 to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar to serve in the AFCENT Band. He performed for over 100,000 people across the middle east, including U.S. embassies, troop morale performances, public concerts, and honoring military ceremonial customs and fallen service members as a bugler.
EDUCATION
Baylor University, Trumpet Performance
ASSIGNMENTS
October 2021-November 2021, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
December 2021-January 2025, Trumpet, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois (April 2023-July 2023, Vocalist, USAF Central Band, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar)
January 2025-Present, Vocalist, USAF Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Training Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border Air and Space Achievement Medal
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman, November 2021
Airman First Class, August 2022
Senior Airman, October 2023
Current as of April 2025