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Face of Defense: Vocalist Changes Tempo to Follow Air Force Beat

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Aug. 5, 2016 — “It ain't a jacked up truck that's never seen a pasture, it's cars pulling over for a no-cab tractor, it's homemade peach ice cream on sun-burnt lips -- that's what country is,” as sung in “What Country Is.”

Jamie Teachenor wrote that song -- famously performed by Luke Bryan, American country music recording artist -- in which he described with vivid imagery the idea of “country.”

While years have gone by since that song debuted on Bryan’s multi-platinum album “Doin’ My Thing,” Teachenor’s thoughts on what country music is have broadened since the day he placed his cowboy boots in the closet and laced up a brand-new pair of sage-green combat boots.

Today, Airman 1st Class Teachenor is a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Band at Peterson Air Force Base here and lead vocalist with the academy’s Wild Blue Country band. He decided to make his move to the Air Force Academy Band after years of writing and singing in award-winning songs. Now, Teachenor sets his sights on combining his past experiences with his current duties.

Music has always been Teachenor’s way of life, having grown up in a family led by rockabilly Hall of Famer, Jim Teachenor.

“My dad played music all my life,” Teachenor said. “It’s like if you grow up in a family of carpenters, you are going to know how to drive a nail. I grew up in a family of musicians so I, by default, started playing music and falling in love with music at an early age.”

Growing up in Missouri

Teachenor grew up in a small, rural farm town in Missouri. He knew since the day he started singing and playing instruments he wanted to do it for the rest of his life.

“When I was nine years old, I performed at a honkytonk nightclub,” Teachenor recalled. “My dad was in the back making sure I was safe, but I ended up with 65 dollars cash. That night I got bit by the bug. I remember thinking to myself ‘I’m never going back -- I’m never going to stop doing this!’”

Teachenor held onto those words as he matured and quickly became a rising star in the country world. He said he found a way to provide a quality life for, not only himself, but for his family through his music in the heartland of country music, Nashville, Tennessee.

Achieving Musical Success

Teachenor went on to become a multi-platinum singer and songwriter. He performed for millions of viewers on “Good Morning America,” “The Early Show” and “Fox & Friends.” He was featured in Billboard magazine, Rolling Stone magazine, People magazine, USA Today, VH1, MTV and CMT. He even wrote chart-topping songs for and recorded with some of the most-recognizable names in the country music industry, including Blake Shelton, Vince Gill, Luke Bryan, Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, Joey + Rory, Trisha Yearwood, Gretchen Wilson, Blaine Larsen, and many more.

Alongside these accolades and achievements, Teachenor was presented with an opportunity that was unlike anything he had experienced in his life. There was an opening for a commercial singer in the Air Force Academy Band’s country music group, Wild Blue Country. Teachenor said he knew that was where his life was leading him next.

“I have always wanted to serve my country,” Teachenor said. “I would always find myself looking at the different branches, knowing my dad served in the Army. A part of me always felt the need to serve; I wanted to be a part of something bigger.”

Joining the academy band wasn’t easy. Teachenor had to apply and then he auditioned for a panel of multiple noncommissioned officer musicians, who video-recorded and scrutinized him from his appearance to his vocal caliber.

“I sent in a CD of a recording and a resume of all my accomplishments,” he said. “It was neat because then the NCOs from the academy band came to Music Row in Nashville and auditioned me. They brought back a recording of me to show to the commander and thankfully, they ended up picking me.”

Touring With the Air Force

Teachenor said his life hasn’t changed much outside of the obvious jump to the military.

“I get to tour the world and play music for the Air Force,” Teachenor said. “Not much has changed. It’s a very similar job to the ones I have had before and I still get to write songs for Nashville, but my hair is a little shorter now.”

Now that Teachenor is a full-fledged member of the Air Force Academy Band, he plans to bring his skills in singing and songwriting to the forefront of Wild Blue Country. For the first time in military history, Wild Blue Country will debut a completely original album. The album, entitled “Here We Are,” will be comprised entirely of songs written by Teachenor.

“The Air Force is great at everything,” Teachenor said. “We have all the key ingredients for being the best in the world. Our pilots can fly against any pilot in the world, so I feel our music should also be able to stand on its own. I really want to do my part to see Air Force music be competitive with the giants in the music world.”

Humbled by his accomplishments, Teachenor believes he has the ability to push good back out in the world. He believes in his mission and believes in his fellow airmen.

“The Air Force helps out so much in the world and does so much good,” he said. “Music has that same capability and I am blessed that I have the opportunity to serve in the Air Force Academy Band and continue to help the world for the better, whether that is through combat readiness or through singing the National Anthem to someone who needs reminded of ‘What Country Is.’”