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Warren Airman melds passion, mission

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lisa Meiman
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
A familiar face graced the stage of the Cheyenne Civic Center during the "Tops in Blue" concert June 13. 

Staff Sgt. Julie Little, 90th Operations Support Squadron, performed this year's show, "The Fly-By," commemorating the Air Force's 60th Anniversary, with 39 other "Tops in Blue" members. 

"Julie has been a very enthusiastic part of 'Tops in Blue,'" said Bob Storck, Air Force Entertainment operations. "We're very happy she's part of the group this year." 

Sergeant Little, a soprano, has been singing as long as she could talk, she said. Her love of singing started during a singing competition with her older sister when she was 6 years old. 

"Singing is my passion. Performing is my passion," Sergeant Little said. 

While Sergeant Little has big dreams, she also hopes to move audiences with her singing. 

"Of course anyone who has a passion for music or singing always wants to make the big time," Sergeant Little said. "I would like to make a difference in people. If I could make a difference in one person out of a million, it would fulfill my heart." 

The group performs more than 150 shows a year. So far this year, Sergeant Little and "Tops in Blue" have performed in Southwest Asia, Afghanistan, Iraq and other parts of the Middle East for service members. They are also scheduled to do a number of shows in support of the Air Force's 60th Anniversary and Air Force week at various locations. 

Temporarily leaving the missile fields where she works at Warren, Sergeant Little joined "Tops in Blue" for her first time in January. However, it was not the first time she tried out for the group. She also auditioned in 2001 and 2005, earning positions in the "Tops in Blue" administrative staff both times. 

"It's been a lot of hard work along the way," Sergeant Little said. 

For the 2007 auditions, there were 120 applicants, 70 of which were selected to perform at the talent contest, Mr. Storck said. 

The tryout process starts with sending an application and a five-minute clip of an applicant's performance to Air Force Entertainment, a part of the Air Force Services Agency, at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. Air Force Entertainment then picks the best to compete in the Worldwide Talent Contest at Lackland AFB, Texas. After 10 days of individual and group auditions and performances, 35 to 40 Airmen are chosen to be part of "Tops in Blue" for one year. 

The contest is not just a singing competition; dance, performance, teamwork, acting and numerous other factors are also judged. 

"It's the total dynamic of your performance," Sergeant Little said. 

After Sergeant Little's year-long commitment to "Tops in Blue" ends, she plans to return to Warren and the 90th OSS, but she would like to join the group again after a break.