JTF Scott Airman showcases talent at Arch Madness Published March 17, 2008 By Senior Airman Brian Butkus 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Scott Air Force Base, Ill. -- Almost 25,000 people were held captivated at the Scottrade Center on March 8 before the Missouri Valley Conference championship's Arch Madness kicked off. It wasn't waiting for their favorite teams to take the court that had attendees holding their breath though. It was Tech. Sgt. Kristine Keyser's renditions of the national anthem and God Bless America before the conference's semi-final games that had the audience held in awe and then cheering raucously. "This was my fourth year singing at Arch Madness," said Sergeant Kaiser. "Not only do I get a chance to do something I love singing here today, but I also get a chance to get out into the community and positively promote the U.S. Air Force." Being chosen to sing at an event like this is another story for Sergeant Keyser. "I have been singing since I was a young child," she said. "A previous first shirt of mine knew that I had sung at numerous events on base. When he heard that there was an opportunity for a servicemember to sing at a college basketball tournament, he asked me if I was interested in performing for them." When asked about the pressures that are involved when singing in front of a capacity crowd, Sergeant Keyser replied, "The first time I sang at the tournament I have to admit I was very nervous," she said. "After it was all said and done it's really no different than singing at a retirement just a lot more people. Now I am going on my fourth year singing here and it's kind of like second nature. I have even sang at a St. Louis Blues game now." Joining her on the court during her rendition was the Illinois State University ROTC color guard. "It was a privilege to share the court with some of our nation's future leaders," said Sergeant Keyser. "By singing at a college basketball championship tournament, I see it as being quite fitting that a college ROTC team would be taking the court with me." In addition to the privilege of singing at the event, Sergeant Keyser also has the chance to be part of a potentially record breaking day. Drake University won the tournament and is advancing to the National Collegiate Athletic Association championship tournament.