ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- An F-15 crew chief here was selected to join Tops in Blue in February.
Airman 1st Class Sheila Smith, 3rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron, was accepted to join Tops in Blue, the Air Force's premier entertainment showcase, after submitting an audition video in response to a servicewide talent search.
Tops in Blue is a conglomeration of talented Airmen in various categories ranging from comedy, drama, vocals, gospel, instrumental groups, country and western, and several others. Tops in Blue, an Air Force active-duty specialist group, has entertained people around the world since 1953.
Smith had never seen the Tops in Blue perform before submitting her application. "I sent in my audition tape, and then I saw them after I found out I made it to worldwide," she said. "I just went for it.
"I love singing," Smith laughed when asked what made her want to sing. She said what inspires her is just the joy of singing. Her favorite genre of music depend on her mood.
"I sing more than I talk," said Smith. She has been singing all of her life, and started professionally as a sophomore in high school in the choir. "It was the first time I ever sang in front of people, and I had the solo," Smith said. "I've been singing ever since."
Although Smith enjoys singing she is committed to her Air Force career.
Smith, who's new to her career field, has a difficult task of finishing her Career Development Course while traveling and training for Tops in Blue.
"Maintenance is definitely a tough career field for a girl, but it's fun," said Smith. "It's cool learning about the jet," she said. She enjoys her job, but is glad she's getting the chance to pursue one of her many passions. She will perform before thousands on a yearlong tour around the world, and return to Elmendorf in March 2010.
She leaves for training in Texas March 21 to attend the two-monthlong staging course, which is one of the many tasks Smith is required to memorize -- the practice of setting up a stage. Not only does staging require her to know the stage's setup, but how everyone is to move about it, and when and where it will change.
This 19-year-old Airman from Virginia has a long road ahead of her, and said she's excited to see what's in store for her.