MacDill SSgt competes for AMC Icon

  • Published
  • By Air Mobility Command Marketing
  • Air Mobility Command
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  One of MacDill's own will compete in the Air Mobility Command Icon finals at the Scott Club, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., from 7:30-10 p.m. EST, Oct. 21, with the event featuring the Air Force Band of Mid America.

Staff Sgt. Aisha Smith, 6th Medical Group, belted out her rendition of Etta James' "At Last," during MacDill's AMC Icon July 30 at the Surf's Edge Club and earned her chance to represent MacDill AFB.

As an added feature, the command finals will be broadcast live to some AMC installations that are planning a live Icon viewing party. "AMC Icon provides Air Force vocalists an opportunity to shine, and this year we have some truly exceptional talent," 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. 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 2010 Icon command performance include:

· Master Sgt. Jason Shamis representing Charleston AFB, S.C.
· Senior Airman Naomi Scott representing Dover AFB, Del.
· Senior Airman Abigail Foster representing Fairchild AFB, Wash.
· Tech. Sgt. Eric Bailey representing Grand Forks AFB, N.D.
· Staff Sgt. Clint Yager representing Little Rock AFB, Ark.
· Staff Sgt. Aisha Smith representing MacDill AFB, Fla
· Senior Airman Rachel Kleist representing McChord AFB, Wash.
· Staff Sgt. Brenda Johnson representing McConnell AFB, Kan.
· Senior Master Sgt. James Warrick representing JB MDL, N.J.
· Staff Sgt. Tim Herrman representing Scott AFB, Ill
· Senior Airman Jay Tarnate representing Travis AFB, Calif.

The master of ceremonies for the command performance is T.A. Burrows who has more than 30 years of experience as a professional stand-up comedian. He's performed more than 2,000 shows at clubs, resorts and military installations around the world sharing the bill with such stars as The Temptations, The Pointer Sisters, Chicago and even the legendary Bob Hope.

Additionally, a special panel of judges will be on hand to select the best of the best. The judges include two St. Louis media personalities, "Smash" from 103.3 and FOX 2's own Mandy Murphey.
The third member of the judge's panel is Ms. Stella Markou, director of vocal studies at the University of Missouri in St. Louis. Ms. Markou is also a noted recording artists and theatrical performer.

Mr. Parker added, "AMC Icon promises to be an outstanding program. This is going to be a fun night for the whole family--you won't want to miss it."

Editor's Note: Tech. Sgt. Bryan Gatewood, 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs, contributed to this article.