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 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois as a member of the Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble in January of 2022 and joined the concert and ceremonial bands shortly after. He then spent a year playing in the pop/rock band Starlifter before joining the brass quintet as both trumpeter and operations representative. During his time with the Band of Mid-America, SrA Kelly represented the Air Force in 12 states and 7 countries. As a member of the PACAF Band, he plays for the Pacific Showcase Jazz Ensemble and the brass quintet.
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
Trumpet Performance, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
ASSIGNMENTS
1. December 2021-January 2025, Trumpet, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (April 2023-July 2023, Trumpet, USAF Central Band, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar)
2. January 2025-Present, Trumpet, USAF Band of the Pacific, Yokota AB, 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 Nov. 24, 2021
Airman First Class Aug. 5, 2022
Senior Airman Oct. 5, 2024
(Current as of December 2025)