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, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. 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. April 2022 – January 2025, Vocalist, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (April 2023-July 2023, Vocalist, USAF Central Band, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar)
2. January 2025 – Present, Vocalist, USAF Band of the Pacific, Yokota AB, Japan
MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
Air and Space Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster
Meritorious Unit Award
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
Air and Space Recognition Ribbon
National Defense Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Air and Space Expeditionary Service Ribbon with gold border
Air and Space Longevity Service Award
Air and Space Training Ribbon
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2022 Musician of the Quarter, Band of Mid-America
2023 Junior Enlisted of the Quarter, Band of Mid-America
2023 Morrell Media New Musician of the Year
2024 Airman of the 2nd Quarter, Band of Mid-America
2025 Musician of the 2nd Quarter, Band of the Pacific-Asia
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class April 14, 2022
Senior Airman June 24, 2024
(Current as of March 2026)