Four Malmstrom Airmen selected for Tops in Blue

Published Jan. 6, 2011
By Airman Cortney Hansen
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Four Air Force Global Strike Command members assigned to Malmstrom Air Force Base received phone calls in the week of Dec. 14-21 confirming their spots on the 2011 Tops in Blue tour.

Senior Airman Patrick O'Shaughnessy, a 12th Missile Squadron missile chef; Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton, a 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs staff writer; Airman 1st Class Ryan Ratkowski, a 341st Civil Engineer Squadron draftsman; and Airman 1st Class Michael Williams, a 341st Civil Engineer Squadron knowledge operations manager, submitted audition tapes to Tops in Blue, and were all selected to travel to Lackland AFB, Texas, to participate in the 10-day Worldwide Talent Search Dec. 3-13.

The Worldwide Talent Search is the second step in the elimination process for picking members for Tops in Blue. Airmen all over the world submit audition tapes with the hopes of being picked to perform a live audition in front of various judges. This year, only 78 Airmen were chosen to participate, and of the 78 contestants, a maximum of 35 were chosen to be a part of the 2011 Tops in Blue tour.

The Worldwide Talent Search consists of nine long days of non-stop auditions, rehearsals and interviews designed to test the limits of contestants mentally and physically, but most of all, musically. The contestants audition with a specific talent but are asked to perform other musical skills they may not be comfortable with.

"The auditions were more intense than I thought they would be," said Airman Ratkowski. "It was one week of being judged as a human being. I had to sing, and I'm not in any way a vocalist."

Airman Ratkowski auditioned as an instrumentalist by playing "Together Again" by Dave Koz on the saxophone.

Airman Overton and Airman O'Shaughnessy showcased a talent that was a little more vocal - singing.

Airman Overton performed "Midnight Train To Georgia" by Gladys Knight while Airman O'Shaughnessy sang Gavin Degraw's "I Don't Want To Be" during the auditions.

"The feeling on stage is hard to explain," said Airman Overton. "When that curtain opens you can't see the audience but you can hear them. It's one of the most overwhelming and nerve-racking experiences. It's like nothing I've ever felt before."

"Tops in Blue will be a way for me to be able to sing again full time for a year," said Airman O'Shaughnessy. "It's just a way to give back to fellow servicemembers."

The Worldwide Talent Search was an audition for everyone including the crew back stage in charge of everything from the lights to the sound.

Airman Williams auditioned as an audio technician. Although he was a part of the microphone staff for the performances, he considers himself a "jack of all trades" as he is also proficient in lighting and video.

"What I do is not really different because it's all for a common goal," said Airman Williams. "It's just that I have a small part to play compared to the other performers. It doesn't bother me being the small fry in a big pot."

A few days after returning to Malmstrom AFB each member received a phone call that confirmed their spot in the 2011 Tops in Blue group.

After completing training at Lackland AFB, they will officially be a part of the 2011 tour which will begin this spring and include more than 120 shows in more than 20 countries, for 10 months.

For tour schedules, or more information on Tops in Blue, call (210) 652-6566 or visit http://www.topsinblue.com.