Airmen showcase iconic voices Published Aug. 24, 2009 By 2nd Lt. Anastasia Wasem 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Three contestants took the top rankings in the 2009 Grand Forks Air Force Base AMC Icon contest August 20 here. Airman Marshall Merriweather, 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron, took first place with his rendition of "Mustang Sally," Senior Airman Faith Walker, 319th Force Support Squadron, received second place singing "I Am Changing," and Tech. Sgt. Robert Carter, NCO in charge at Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corp Detachment 610, took third place with "Ready for Love." Seventeen contestants took to the stage this year amongst glittering streamers and gold stars hanging from the ceiling and a full house hoping to win up to $500, a Best Buy gift certificate and a chance to compete in the AMC-level competition. The contestants came from all areas of the base community, including Airmen, civilian workers and dependants, to compete in the singing contest. "This is fantastic talent within the Grand Forks AFB family," said Col. Henry Polczer, Operations Group commander, after the show. "The amount of talent was amazing." The emcee for the evening was Kelly Hurtado, who placed third at last year's competition. And the three guest judges for the event included Brig. Gen. Alan Palmer of the North Dakota National Guard, retired Col. Barbara Chine and Benjamin Klipfel. "I feel crazy," said Airman Merriweather about his win as he posed with his wife and the giant foam check for $500. "It's amazing!" With his first place victory, Airman Merriweather will represent Grand Forks AFB at the command finals Oct. 22 at Scott AFB, Ill.