2015 Air Mobility Command Icon at GFAFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bonnie Grantham
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The time has come once and for all for Airmen to showcase their musical talent in the 2015 Air Mobility Command (AMC) Icon.

AMC Icon is based loosely on the hit TV program American Idol. All AMC installations will conduct base-level talent shows during July and August where the local contestants will compete for $1,000 in cash prizes. The top active duty contestant will then be able to travel to Scott AFB, Ill., for a chance to compete at command level to earn a place with Tops in Blue.

The event is scheduled to take place Aug. 28 at the Northern Lights Club here, and will be the last of its kind. Any ID card holder that is 18 years of age or older and has a musical talent of some kind is welcome to enter the contest.

Master Sgt. Agustin Pascual, 319th Force Support Squadron manpower superintendent, competed last year and will compete this year as well. Pascual said he sings the National Anthem at base ceremonies occasionally, but the 2014 AMC Icon was the first time he had really performed.

"I enjoy the performance aspect of it," Pascual said. "I enjoy seeing the reaction from the crowd. I also think it's important for my family to see me do things like that."

Airman 1st Class Ryan Sparks, 319th Air Base Wing photojournalist apprentice, will be competing for the first time in this year's contest. For Sparks, AMC Icon is more than just a competition.

"I started singing as a child," said Sparks. "I spent seven years studying to become an opera singer before joining the Air Force. AMC Icon is a perfect outlet for my competitive drive and love of performing."

Currently, there are eight registered participants to include vocalists and instrumentalists, which is different from previous years when only vocalists were allowed to compete.

The event is free for ID card holders interested in attending. Anyone wishing to enter the contest should contact the base Marketing Office at 701-747-3238. Stay tuned for additional details and special deals.