OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- Two members of Team Offutt were selected for the 2010 Tops in Blue tour during the group's worldwide talent competition at Lackland AFB, Texas, Jan. 17 - 25.
Staff Sgt. Candice J. Fagan and Airman 1st Class Devin C. Martin were selected out of more than 70 competitors to be a part of the Air Force's premiere entertainment showcase.
Sergeant Fagan, an intelligence analyst with the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, a geographically separated unit attached to the 55th Wing, sang "Listen," from the Dreamgirls soundtrack during her audition. The Waldorf, Md., native was one of nine female vocalists selected to tour with Tops in Blue in 2010.
"Being a member of Tops in Blue is a privilege and holds a very special place with me," Sergeant Fagan said.
"The program will give me an opportunity to represent my squadron, base and the Air Force. I will be an ambassador, capable of possibly changing people's minds to think positively about the United States, as well as its Air Force."
Sergeant Fagan has been singing since she was a child. In high school she sang in the choir and played the trumpet. Since joining the Air Force in September 2003, she has performed at retirement and change of command ceremonies, basketball tournaments and the Patriot Bowl, a college football game played at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Ohio every year.
Being a part of Tops in Blue will give her the perfect outlet, she said, as well as the ability to inspire others through music.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the crowd clap and sing (along) with the show," she said, "basically I want to see people having fun, even if they aren't in the best location."
For Airman Martin, a cyber transport journeyman with the 55th Strategic Communications Squadron here, being selected for the Tops in Blue tour is an honor and means he'll have the opportunity to hone his musical skills.
"It is truly a privilege and an honor to be part of Tops in Blue," he said. "I look forward to improving my skills as a musician and having the opportunity to work with so many talented people."
Airman Martin, who hails from Salina, Kan., started singing during his senior of high school and was a semifinalist in the 2009 Offutt Idol Competition. He's been playing the cello for almost 18 years and he's performed with the Memphis Vocal Arts Ensemble and took part in an opera while attending the University of Memphis.
Playing music, Airman Martin said, brings him comfort.
"I love playing the cello whenever I have a stressful day at work or just want to get my mind off something," he said.
Singing in the shower and the car are also essential to starting the day off right, he added.
Airman Martin performed "Let Me Fall," a song by Josh Groban during his audition, and was one of 10 male vocalists selected for the tour. He and Sergeant Fagan expect to perform in approximately 125 shows this year.
Bob Storck, operations manager for Air Force Entertainment, said Airman Martin and Sergeant Fagan are talented performers and will bring a lot to each Tops in Blue performance.
Both Airman Martin and Sergeant Fagan greatly impressed the judges, as they were selected over nearly 300 other competitors, Mr. Storck said.
"They both showed great potential to contribute to Tops in Blue and we're looking forward to having Airman Martin and Sergeant Fagan as a part of the team this year," he added.
The theme for the 2010 Tops in Blue tour is, "We Believe," and will focus on patriotic spirit and American values.
For more information about Tops in Blue, including auditions and tour dates, visit www.topsinblue.com.
USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)