McConnell searches for AMC Icon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Team McConnell Airmen showcased their vocal talents during the annual McConnell Idol completion Aug. 13, 2010, at the Robert J. Dole Community Center.

With the lights set upon the stage and judges watching, the first singer raised the microphone and kicked off a competition that is part of a command-driven event called Air Mobility Command Idol. The event is loosely based on the television show American Idol.

"[The event] is significant because we have so many talented people at McConnell and it's a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talents," said Fe Vorderlandwehr, 22nd Force Support Squadron community center director.

After the last performer's song and the judges selected winner, a DJ played music while the crowd began socializing.

"Everybody stuck around, for the most part, and they are out there having fun and dancing," said Mrs. Vorderlandwehr. "It's nice to know folks outside of their uniform, you see people in their uniform and you don't think they can belt out acapella 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow'."

McConnell's Idol was a competition of 16 people singing rock, pop, country and much more. Though the competition was decided by a fraction of a point, there was only one winner. Singing "Home" from the Wiz, the winner was from the 22nd FSS.

"I was a little shocked because I didn't know what the judges were looking for or what they were thinking so I got up there and did the best I could," said Staff Sgt. Brenda Johnson, 22nd FSS Military Personnel Section Career Development assistant NCOIC. "There was a lot of good talent, so I was just nervous and I felt like it was up in the air."

Sergeant Johnson is scheduled to represent McConnell at the AMC Idol competition Oct. 25, 2010, at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and a live telecast is scheduled to be streamed into Signatures Lounge during the competition.