Talent show set for May 1

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. James Hodgman
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Travis Air Force Base, California, is scheduled to host the Operation Talent Search show at 6 p.m. May 1 in the military personnel flight's auditorium inside Bldg. 381.

The competition, which is free and open to anyone with base access, will feature 27 performers in four categories, including some as young as 6 years old. The contestants will compete for first-, second- and third-place honors, gift certificates and for the coveted title of Best in Show.

The performer who takes the Best in Show prize will represent Travis at the Air Force-level competition for a chance to win the Air Force Entertainer of the Year award and a four-day, three-night trip to New York City, New York, Las Vegas, Nevada, or Los Angeles, California.

Yarissa Marn, 60th Force Support Squadron youth programs coordinator, said the talent show will be special.

"I'm very impressed with the talent this year," Marn said.

"Many performers possess natural showmanship and excel in authenticity - that is, they have unique takes on their music selections and renditions.

"I am glad I am not a judge. These youth are all talented.
It will be difficult to say who will be the best."

The evening's judges include Air Force Band of the Golden West members Master Sgt. Paula Goetz, a vocalist, and Staff Sgt. Paul Wells, a guitarist, as well as Joshua Bally, a native of Alameda, California, and an entertainer who has performed at Disney resorts and toured with the "Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!" show.

The show will feature performances from singers, dancers and musicians. While many contestants are military family members, some active-duty Airmen also are taking part in the competition.

Senior Master Sgt. Gloria Weatherspoon, 60th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant, plans to sing "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa with her two sons.

"We are going to be rapping and singing," Weatherspoon said.

The senior NCO said the idea for the trio to perform together came from one of her shows, but both of them are musical. They love music, Weatherspoon said.
"Since (they) were babies, they loved music," she said.

"When they were in my belly, I sang to them and I play music when we get up in the morning because music really makes me happy and helps set the tone for the day."

While the goal for Operation Talent Search is to find the Air Force's next entertainer of the year, Marn said it's important to provide children with opportunities to boost their confidence.

"It is so important to empower our youth from an early age," she said. "We need to equip them for the future by developing their confidence and self-esteem."

Performing on stage can provide a significant confidence boost to children, Weatherspoon said. The first sergeant said increased confidence is something she hopes her sons take from the competition.

Once they finish performing and hear the applause, that will be a big confidence booster for them, she said.

"I don't want them to be afraid to speak in public, sing in public or do things in public," she said. "I want them to have the confidence to do anything."

Seating for the talent show is limited so event organizers request attendees arrive early.

For more information about Operation Talent Search visit http://www.myairforcelife.com/Entertainer/.