An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Airmen showcase vocal talent

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  In a competition seeking vocally-talented Airmen, 11 Team McConnell members participated in the fourth annual Air Mobility Command Icon event August 11, 2012, at the Robert J. Dole Community Center Ballroom.

The top performing Airman, Tech. Sgt. Doug Boren, 384th Air Refueling Squadron operations superintendent, will go on to represent McConnell in the competition finals at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., in October. There he will compete for a chance to audition for Tops in Blue, the premiere Air Force band that performs worldwide.

Boren previously performed with Tops in Blue as a vocalist and percussionist for a one-year tour in 2011 before returning to McConnell.

"I'm excited to go to Scott," said Boren. "I can't wait to get up there and show them what McConnell has, and hopefully bring the trophy back this time."

Each contestant performed a song of their choice in front of a panel of three judges and a near-filled ballroom of attendants.

"I was really impressed with the whole setup of the event," said David Damm, Damm Music Center manager and Icon judge. "The competition really blew me away. When you come in to judge something you never know what to expect, but everyone did a super great job."

The competition was founded in 2009 and intended to highlight talents of the Airmen in AMC not seen on a daily basis. It is loosely based on a hit television program.

Boren was very excited to be back in a musical environment and was confident in his vocal capabilities.

"It's great to be around people in the Air Force who appreciate music," said Borren. "I just can't wait to represent my squadron and the [22nd Air Refueling Wing] in the finals."