Scott AFB to host command 'ICON' final competition

Published Oct. 14, 2008
By Scott Black
Air Mobility Command Marketing

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Mobility Command will host the AMC Icon finals at the Scott Club, 6:30-9 p.m. CST, Oct. 23, with the event featuring the Air Force Band of Mid America.

As an added feature, the command finals will be broadcast to the clubs at each major AMC installation.

"AMC has some exceptional performers and Icon is their opportunity to shine," said Sam Parker, Command Program Manager for ICON.

AMC Icon is loosely based around the hit TV show, American Idol. Icon will feature active-duty Air Force vocalists from all 11 AMC bases. These finalists were named the best active-duty vocalists at their base-level competitions earlier this year. Participants will be competing for $2,000 in cash prizes and the winner will also receive a special invitation to audition with the Air Force Tops in Blue--the U.S. Air Force's premier entertainment showcase.

Participants in the Icon command performance include:

· Senior Airman David Verde representing Charleston AFB, S.C.
· Airman 1st Class Naomi Nadeau representing Dover AFB, Del.
· Airman 1st Class Johanna Brooks representing Fairchild AFB, Wash.
· Senior Airman Kassandra Seifert representing Grand Forks AFB, N.D.
· Senior Airman Kenneth Dansby representing MacDill AFB, Fla.
· Airman 1st Class Jonathan Lankford representing McChord AFB, Wash.
· Airman 1st Class Ruth Rogers representing McConnell AFB, Kan.
· Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Collins representing McGuire AFB, N.J.
· Staff Sgt. Marivic Williamson representing Pope AFB, N.C.
· Staff Sgt. Tim Herrman representing Scott AFB
· Master Sgt. Robert Martin representing Travis AFB, Calif.

The master of ceremonies for the command performance is Walter Campbell. Sergeant Campbell has toured with Tops in Blue and performed throughout the United States and around the world.

Additionally, a special panel of judges will be on hand to select the best of the best. The judges include Capt. Lyndsey Goodman, a C-17 pilot and former American Idol contestant. Captain Goodman recently completed a special morale tour in which she opened for Country superstar Wynonna Judd. Also judging are St. Louis radio personality "Smash" from 103.3, and Dr. Phillip Wilhelm, director of music at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill.

Doors to the Scott Club will open one hour before the show and seating is free, but will be limited. For the anticipated overflow crowds, the show also will be broadcast on the large screens in the club lounge, according to Mr. Parker.

"AMC Icon promises a fun-filled evening of family entertainment that recognizes the singing talents of our Airmen" he said