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Eighteen singers take stage for Grand Forks' AMC Icon

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. J. Paul Croxon
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FOC BASE, N.D. --  The club was the setting for eighteen contestants to compete in an Air Mobility Command singing completion August 14, eliciting cheers, cell-phone salutes and standing ovations.

Kassandra Seifert, 319th Medical Support Squadron, won the competition, known as AMC Icon. She was graded by judges Ch. Kevin Lockett, Col. (Ret.) Barbara Chine, former Mission Support Group Commander, and Mr. Benjamin Klipfel, and local award-winning director.

The first "singer" to perform was Col. John Michel, 319th Air Refueling Wing Commander and his group commander back-up singers for his unveiling of the wing's new vision "just bring it" through a parody of Michael Jackson's iconic "Beat It" complete with a single glove and the requisite penny loafers.

Following Col. Michel was Col. John Scorsone, 319 ARW Vice Wing Commander, and his wife Janelle. The duo sang "eBay" by Weird Al Yankovic.

After the humor came the singing. Though all contestants were applauded, some stood out more than others.

Geno Magalong proved to have the most fans as the club erupted with his take on Ray Charles' "Georgia on My Mind." Derrick Biggs showed his musical talent by bringing the only instrument on stage for "East to West" by Casting Crowns. However, it was Michael Sheldon's patriotic opening remarks and North Dakota-unique version of "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood that caused cell phones to replace lighters in a salute.

In the end, there could only be one winner. According to AMC Icon rules, the top active duty performance won $500 and a trip to Scott Air Force Base, Ill., to compete for the title of AMC Icon and a chance to try out for Tops in Blue.