Combat Center Band 

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Higgs enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September of 2001. He attended Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. Upon completion of Recruit Training, Private First Class Higgs was assigned to the Basic Musicians Course at the Armed Forces School of Music in Little Creek, Virginia. During his time at School of Music he learned music theory, proper performance etiquette, and performed in several ensembles. Also during his attendance Higgs was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal.

Lance Corporal Higgs began his musical career as a percussionist with the III Marine Expeditionary Force Band in Okinawa, Japan where he was promoted to both Corporal and Sergeant. During his two years "on island," he performed in many ensembles to include: Jazz Combo, Brass Band, Big Band, Rock Band, Ceremonial Band, and Concert Band. He traveled to countries all along the Pacific Rim to include Micronesia, Saipan, Iwo Jima, Guam, Australia, and more. He also served as Loading Chief, Fireteam Leader, Assistant Small Ensemble Leader, Percussion Section Leader, and Rhythm Section Commander. Higgs served in short term deployments to Cobra Gold in Thailand and UFL in South Korea, and also competed in the Far East Division Matches on both rifle and pistol. While in Okinawa, Higgs earned his gray belt in Marine Corps Martial Arts. In April of 2004 he graduated as a green belt instructor from the Far East Martial Arts Instructor Course. Shortly thereafter he became a brown belt instructor.

Sgt Higgs transferred to the Marine Forces Reserve Band in New Orleans, LA in December of 2004. Higgs also attended the Sound Reinforcement Course at the Armed Forces School of Music in Little Creek, VA in September 2005. During his tour at "MarForRes" he performed in various ensembles to include: Jazz Combo, Brass Band, Big Band, Show Band, Percussion Ensemble, Ceremonial Band, and Concert Band. He served in many billets to include: Fiscal Chief, Fireteam Leader, Guide, Platoon Sergeant, Percussion Section Leader, Rhythm Section Commander, Jazz Combo Ensemble Leader, Show Band Ensemble Leader, Percussion Ensemble Leader, Training Chief, Training Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Sound Chief, Sound Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, and Acting Small Ensemble Leader. In April of 2008 he was promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant.

In August of 2008, SSgt Higgs reported to the Armed Forces School of Music to attend the Unit Leader Course. Upon graduation in April of 2009, he became a platoon sergeant for the Marine Detachment until September 2009 when he began the Senior Musician Course. He graduated in April of 2010 and received orders to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Band where he currently serves as the Small Ensemble Leader.

SSgt Higgs' decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (Second Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (Second Award).