3 Aviano Airmen to represent base during world tour

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Battles
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  What started as three Airmen's passion for performing has transformed into a chance of a lifetime.

Master Sgt. Mark Washington, 31st Communications Squadron readiness and resources section chief, Staff Sgt. Jamal Young, 603rd Air Control Squadron transmission systems journeyman and Senior Airman Brandon Davis, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels facility operator, were recently notified by Air Force Entertainment on their selection as members of Tops in Blue.

TIB is an active-duty unit comprised of talented service members selected for their performing abilities.

"I have a genuine love for the performing arts and music is a gift that I was born with," Washington, a Jacksonville, N.C. native, said. "I auditioned for Tops in Blue to reignite the fire, and not let my gift slip away."

For their initial audition, each Airman submitted a video demonstrating their talents. Washington auditioned as a drummer, Young as a vocalist and Davis as a dancer, which earned them a spot in the 2013 Air Force talent search competition held at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Feb. 2 - 12.

During the 10-day competition, participants were not only judged on their vocal and dance talent, but also on their personality, personal interviews and team work.

This was the first time for all three Airmen to audition for the Air Force's premiere entertainment group. All three were notified by their unit commanders last month that they were officially TIB cast members.

When asked about representing Aviano Air Base with his two fellow Airmen, Washington said, "It feels good knowing that Aviano will be representing the Air Force over the next year. I know that each of us will grow as individuals and Airmen, and will become brothers for life."

Davis, a Grand Rapids, Mich. native, added, "From a great place, comes great people and we are the only base to (have multiple people representing) and I am happy I get to be a part of it."

In the end, Washington earned a spot as technical director, Young a vocalist and though he auditioned as a dancer, Davis' vocal ability shined through during the competition, earning him a vocalist position.

"I am looking forward to the tour, Young, a native of Blytheville, Ark., said. "This year is the 60th anniversary of Tops in Blue and it's going to be big."

According to the official website, TIB serves as an expeditionary entertainment unit to provide quality entertainment from within Air Force resources for the Air Force family, with priority to Air Force personnel stationed worldwide at remote and deployed locations while simultaneously promoting community relations, supporting recruiting efforts and serving as ambassadors for the United States of America and the U. S. Air Force.

In the last 60 years TIB has travelled more than 4 million miles to entertain service members throughout the world. The cast has also performed at six World's Fairs, several Super Bowls and countless TV show appearances.

For more information on TIB, or how to audition, visit http://www.topsinblue.com/.