Cannon Airman to audition for Tops in Blue

Airman Thomas Trower

One of Cannon’s finest has been selected to audition at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, for Tops in Blue.

Airman 1st Class Chonte Walker, 27th Civil Engineer Squadron, was selected from hundreds of applicants to audition for the Air Force performing arts program.

This is an elite entertainment showcase program that tours worldwide in an effort to raise Airmen’s morale. They perform at every Air Force installation in the world; they even perform in war zones, said Sheri Hayes, Base Community Center Director. The community center organizes the base talent contest and provides the tools and path for Airmen to apply for Tops in Blue.

“I’ve been singing ever since I was able to talk,” said Airman Walker. “I love to sing.”

Airman Walker never seems to have a spare minute to herself, she said. Every moment is filled with volunteer work or musical performances, such as singing the national anthem at the 27th Operations Group Quarterly Awards Banquet.

“I get a little nervous right before I go on stage,” said Airman Walker. “I usually get lost in the music and calm down once I am on stage. I try to stare at a spot on the back wall so that I can look over the crowd and remain relaxed.”

Every contestant had to submit an application to the Tops in Blue judges, including a video of them performing. Airman Walker said she was a little worried before her tryout video. She started to catch a cold and was working outside with the Honor Guard the day before her shoot.

“I was excited just to submit an application,” she said. “I just kept praying and dreaming.”

Her prayers and dreams came true when Tops in Blue contacted Lt. Col. Alexander Karibian, 27th CES commander, who was equally delighted to have such a stellar Airman in his unit recognized for her efforts.

Airman Walker is the vice president of the Cannon Airmen Against Drunk Driving program and a member of the Cannon Honor Guard. She also holds a part-time job and participates with the choir on base, she said.

“Airman Walker really is an extraordinary airman,” said Ms. Hayes. “She tries to do anything she can to help other people.”

Cannon was a perfect place for her to be stationed, Airman Walker said. It allows her the time to pursue her love of music and volunteer around the community. “I just like to stay busy,” she said.

Next to her hobby of singing is her boxing. Airman Walker has also competed in Air Force boxing competitions. She has been taking boxing lessons from her father for years and said she just lost her motivation to box when she moved away from her family.

Currently, she is trying to pursue a major in music from Clovis Community College.

She wants to stay a career Airman, but doesn’t know if she wants to keep the same job. She is considering retraining to the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) or attending Officer Training School. That is further down the road than she is worried about right now, she said.

After her trip to San Antonio to audition from Monday through Nov. 14, she will return home and await word of whether she was accepted or not before Nov. 30.

If she is accepted, she will begin training and go on tour from February 2006 to March 2007.

She also had some advice to offer other Tops in Blue hopefuls.

“Don’t give up on your dreams,” said Airman Walker. “Participation in base talent shows can lead to great things.”