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Air Force Bandsman to Join JAG Corps

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Joe Jackson
  • The USAF Band
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, D.C. --  U.S. Air Force Band member Master Sgt. William H. Jones has been accepted into the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) program. Sergeant Jones, a euphonium player, attended law school at George Mason University School of Law while serving in the Band and received his Juris Doctorate, Magna Cum Laude in Dec. 2010. He applied for the JAG program and in late 2011 was accepted.

Originally from Stormville, N. Y., Sergeant Jones earned a Bachelor of Music in euphonium performance from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh prior to beginning his Air Force career in 1998. He served most of his career as principal euphonium in The United States Air Force Concert Band, and spent four years with The United States Air Force Ceremonial Brass.

Sgt. Jones next travels to Air University at Maxwell Air Force to attend Commissioned Officer Training (COT) school as one of the Air Force's newest lieutenants. Following the month-long COT school, he will then attend Judge Advocate General training, also on the campus of Air University, before receiving his duty assignment as an Air Force attorney.

The transition marks the end of a distinguished 14-year career with The United States Air Force band, leaving Sergeant Jones with mixed feelings. "Performing with the world-class musicians here has been truly amazing," he said. "I leave with a heavy heart, but I am excited by the opportunity to continue serving in the Air Force as a JAG."

During his career, Sergeant Jones has appeared as a soloist with the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, the Air Force Band of Flight at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and on four tours as soloist with the United States Air Force Concert Band. He has performed recitals or given lectures at the University of Michigan, Georgetown University, Northwestern University, The University of New Hampshire, Ball State University, Louisiana State University, West Virginia University and Duquesne University, his alma mater.

Sergeant Jones also recorded and toured extensively with the River City Brass Band and was featured in recital on WQED Public Radio's "Performance in Pittsburgh." In 1998, he won the City Music Center at Duquesne Concerto Competition, earning him an opportunity to solo with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. His former teachers include Dr. Brian Bowman, Barry Morrison, Murray Crewe and Roger Hanson.

In addition to his musical duties, Sergeant Jones is the contracting manager for the Band supply section. His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, USAF Basic Military Training Honor Graduate Ribbon and the USAF NCO PME Graduate Ribbon. Sergeant Jones was a distinguished graduate of the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in 2004.