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AMC Icon: The Command Performance

  • Published
  • By Monte Miller
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  You won't see Simon, Randy or Paula, but there will be Smash, Dr. Phil and Lyndsey at the Scott Club Oct. 23.

Eleven contestants representing the best vocal talent of Air Mobility Command will compete next Thursday for the top prize as best active duty vocalist in AMC.

"It will have the look and feel of a rock concert, this will be a one night only chance for the contestants to give their best shot," said Sam Parker, AMC Resource and Requirements chief. "It will be a big city event right here at the Scott Club."

Mr. Parker explained AMC commander Gen. Arthur J. Lichte brought the concept of AMC Icon to fruition after seeing a similar program in the U. S. Air Forces in Europe command.

"He (Gen. Lichte) wanted to do something fun for his Air Force community," Mr. Parker said. "While at the same time giving Airmen the chance to highlight their vocal talents. He has given this 150 percent backing. Plus, the support at the command and wing levels has been exceptional."

The AMC Icon event is free to the public, but Mr. Parker advises seating is limited and attendees should arrive early. The enlisted lounge at the Scott Club will be used as an overflow area where the show can be seen on large screens.

A unique feature of this performance is that it will be broadcast live to the clubs on all 11 AMC bases, so each base can cheer on their representative.

First prize for the winner is $1,000 cash and a guaranteed interview with the Air Force Tops in Blue group.

The emcee of the competition will be comedian, Walter Campbell, who is an active duty technical sergeant who currently tours with Tops in Blue.

A special feature of the evening will be a performance by former American Idol contestant and Air Force Reserve Capt. Lyndsey Goodman, who is a C-17 pilot at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. Captain Goodman will also serve as a judge.

The task of broadcasting the event live to all AMC bases has been given to the 367th Training Squadron from Hill Air Force Base in Utah.

"This is going to be a real class act, family entertainment show," Mr. Parker said. "Each base has also been asked to create their own Icon watch parties at their clubs while people are viewing the live feed of the competition."

In addition to Captain Goodman, judges for the command performance will be Dr. Phil Wilhelm from the music department at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill. and St. Louis radio legend Smash.

"Smash does a lot for the military," Mr. Parker said. "When we approached him, he said 'What can I do and when can I do it'."

The judges will be looking at every aspect of the contestant's performances and their scores will be recorded real-time, thus there will be no long delays in crowning the winner.

"As soon as the judges score a performance they will be entered into a laptop," Mr. Parker said. "Five minutes after the last performance, the winner will be known. It will announced after Captain Goodman's performance."

Captain Goodman, along with all of the contestants will be accompanied by the Air Force Band of Mid-America's Starlifter band.

Doors open at the Scott Club at 5:30 p.m. and the show will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. The first 100 people through the doors will receive a commemorative AMC Icon t-shirt.

Holding the event at the Scott Club was designed by General Lichte to generate more interest and participation in the club atmosphere and to also give the clubs on all of the AMC bases a chance to show their patrons what they are capable of providing.  

Staff Sgt. Timothy Herrman, Air Mobility Command executive security, won the Scott Icon competition in August and will represent Scott at the command performance.