SrA Jessie Dunnavant is a vocalist with the United States Air Force Band of MidAmerica, Scott AFB, IL. 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, VA, SrA Dunnavant received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from James Madison University, where she studied under Professor Brenda Witmer. She then spent the next 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 has been with the Band of Mid-America ever since.
SrA Dunnavant deployed to the Middle East in 2023, 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, garnering the praise “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 all, SrA Dunnavant contributed to the success of thirty live missions in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and SPARTAN SHIELD, aiding in the promotion of United States culture to international audiences and strengthening relationships between the U.S. and its allies.
EDUCATION
2016 Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
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
Air and Space Recognition Ribbon
ASSIGNMENTS
1. February 2022-April 2022, Basic Military Training, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
2. April 2022-Present, Vocalist, USAF Band of Mid-America, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois (April 2023-July 2023, Vocalist, USAF Central Band, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar)
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
2022 Musician of the Quarter
2023 Junior Enlisted of the Quarter
2023 Morrell Media New Musician of the Year
2024 Junior Enlisted of the Quarter
EFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTION
Airman First Class, April 2022
Senior Airman, June 2024
(Current as of June 2024)