James Duprey

Retired Air Force Master Sergeant

James spent 20 years in the Air Force from 1977 to 1997. He established TapsOnCall to provide an ongoing tribute to fallen veterans, heroes from all corners of our great nation, and their loved ones.

Master Sergeant Duprey was born in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts on April 1, 1959. He was one of 6 children, and the second to last born. His playing of the trumpet began in the 5th grade. By high school he was heavily involved with music, having classes and rehearsals every day. He performed in concert band, stage band, marching band, the brass section of the orchestra, and in the pit crew for musicals. He was elected by over 80 musicians in the band and of the faculty to be the Treasurer in his junior year and President in his senior year. He enlisted as an Airman Basic in the United States Air Force and began active duty on 09 August 1977, traveling to Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas for Basic Training. During his 6 weeks of basic training, he was selected as one of four Squad Leaders. After Basic, he attended technical school at Lowry Air Force Base, in Colorado from Oct 1977 to May 1978 and his job title was Integrated Avionics Component and Manual Test Station Specialist. (326-X5B). The weapon system being the F-15 aircraft. From May 1978 to May 1980 he was stationed at Bitburg Air Base, Germany. Traveling back stateside he was assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, for a period of 2 years from 1980 to 1982. MSgt Duprey then transitioned again overseas to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Japan, for a period of three years, 1982 to 1985. His next assignment was from 1985 -1989 at Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo, New Mexico. It was here, after many years of being an F-15 avionics repair technician, that his skills were proven. In the annual William Tell Air-to-Air Competition, held at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, he was selected as the sole Manual Test Station Avionics Technician to accompany the 5 primary and 1 spare F-15 aircraft to engage in competition with bases from all over the United States and Canada. In the year of 1988, Holloman Air Force Base won William Tell. MSgt Duprey, among others, were awarded the US Air Force Achievement Medal for their actions. During this time, and for a period of two years, he was also a member of the Holloman Air Force Base Honor Guard.

His military awards include the United States Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, (5) Five United States Air Force Commendation Medals, and (2) Two United States Air Force Achievement Medals.

Duprey, already a leader in his field and set on continuing his career in the US Air Force, made a career change to the one field that supported his efforts to support his service with the most highly qualified and motivated airmen possible. He became a US Air Force Recruiter. He then attended Recruiting School at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. Completing school, he was presented with the Speech Award for his command over delivering a message. His first assignment was a recruiting office in Houston, Texas from 1989 to 1993. During this timeframe, MSgt Duprey began his run to succeed. After his first 12 months, he was awarded Rookie Recruiter of the Year. He received his second US Air Force Achievement Medal for this landmark. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to the Health Professions Recruiting Team. He was one of 4 recruiters. His recruiting Squadron won Top Health Profession Recruiting Team in the nation. His final assignment brought him to Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 1993 to 1997. He was assigned as Squadron Trainer for all of the recruiting offices of the 347th Recruiting Squadron covering at that time Wisconsin and Illinois. By 1996, he was selected to operate his own recruiting team of 6 members, supporting the goals of our nation on a daily basis. His personal endeavors in Milwaukee included being a Den Leader and Cubmaster for the Cub Scouts. He retired in 1997.

Since retiring from the Air Force, James has utilized his past skills by working for Bombardier Aerospace for over 6 years as an Electrical Installer on the Learjet line here in Tucson. He then was promoted to Supervisor supporting and organizing the production for over 45 employees. With his original love, and history dating back to his successes as a health professions recruiter, he transitioned to becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. After schooling, he proceeded to work in that career field for over 20 years. Of those years, it was 18.5 with the GEO Corporation in Florence, Arizona. In 2023 James was awarded the title of Nurse of the Year at his facility.

Now James is semi-retired and deeply immersed in his community. He has been a member of Bugles Across America for over 28 years and supports memorials and events all over the Oro Valley and surrounding areas. He is a member of the American Legion Oro Valley Post 132 Honor/Color Guard and performs regularly playing Taps and when needed, in a position on the rifle team, presenting, posting, and retiring of the colors, and flag folding. He is a trained member on the Oro Valley Police Department Citizens Volunteer Assistants Program while performing duty as one of the Patrol Officers. He is also a member of the Elks Lodge #385 in Tucson.

His education includes a Bachelors, Cum Laude, in Business Administration, from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, an Associates in Personnel Administration from the Community College of the Air Force, an Associates in Avionics Technology from the Community College of the Air Force, and a certificate in Licensed Practical Nursing from Pima Community College.

James is married to Vickie Duprey, a member of the Strand family. A loving wife and patriotic supporter of our great nation. She has been the love of James’ life since April 23, 1994.

Together, they will complete life, loving our country in every way imaginable.