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Senior Airman Jessie Dunnavant

Senior Airman Jessie Dunnavant is a vocalist with the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific, Yokota Air Base, Japan. The unit’s mission is to honor our nation and its military, inspire and invigorate the resiliency of Airmen and their families, and connect with both the American public and vital regional and national partners to build trust and advocate for our nation’s strategic defense priorities.

Originally from Richmond, Virginia, SrA Dunnavant received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from James Madison University, where she studied under Professor Brenda Witmer. She then spent several years in theme park entertainment, performing at Busch Gardens (Williamsburg and Tampa), Dollywood, Carowinds, and Kings Dominion.

She began her career with the Air Force in 2022 and was assigned to the Band of Mid-America. In 2023, she deployed to the Middle East, where she provided vocals for performances across seven nations, four United States embassies, and five military bases. She sang the National Anthem at multiple key leader change of command ceremonies in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, receiving praise as “the best I ever heard.” While in Cairo, she fronted an Egyptian fusion concert alongside tabla player Said ElArtist, giving a performance that later went viral.

In total, SrA Dunnavant supported 30 live missions in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and SPARTAN SHIELD, promoting U.S. culture and strengthening relationships between the United States and its allies.

EDUCATION

  • 2016 Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Va.

ASSIGNMENTS

  1. 2022 – 2023, Vocalist, Band of Mid-America, Scott AFB, Ill.

  2. 2024 – Present, Vocalist, Band of the Pacific, Yokota AB, Japan

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

  • Air and Space Achievement Medal

  • Air and Space Recognition Ribbon

  • National Defense Service Medal

  • Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

  • Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border

  • Air and Space Training Ribbon

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2022 Musician of the Quarter

  • 2023 Junior Enlisted of the Quarter

  • 2023 Morrell Media New Musician of the Year

EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION

  • Airman First Class – Apr 2022

  • Senior Airman – Jun 2022

(Current as of December 2024)