512th Memorial Affairs Squadron member makes Tops In Blue try-outs

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  For Staff Sgt. Carmel Brooks, singing lullabies to her children has evolved into the possibility of performing for military troops worldwide. 

Sergeant Brooks, a 512th Memorial Affairs Squadron services apprentice, was chosen to compete for Tops In Blue on the world-wide level, Jan. 11-19 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.
 
This musical mommy's gift was revealed a few months ago while singing karaoke at a fellow Airman's birthday party. Now, the devoted single mother and grandmother, who spent the past 22 years of her life supporting her children's dreams, is taking her turn to reach for the stars. 

She said she never shared her secret talent with anyone at work, but the song, "Killing Me Softly," lead to an unforeseen path for the Newark, Del. native. That path is being paved with the help of a fellow Airman who toured with the 2006 Tops In Blue troupe. 

"I was floored when I heard her sing," said Staff Sgt. Larry Frey, who has been deployed to the 512th MAS here since September from the 60th Inpatient Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. "I really wanted her to try out after hearing her. Having been in Tops In Blue myself, I thought she really had a chance." 

The Tops In Blue are the U.S. Air Force's special unit of performers selected to entertain troops and their families. Their performances attract more than 250,000 military personnel and their families, averaging 120 performances at 100 locations throughout the world. Anyone in the Air Force may compete for a spot on the Tops In Blue team, despite their performance background. 

"I was never formally trained and singing was just sort of a hobby which began in my church choir when I was 12 years old," said Sergeant Brooks, who has been at Dover Air Force Base 10 years. "I also sang at a few weddings, but I'm always walking around here singing throughout the hallways at work." 

Sergeant Frey convinced his fellow staff sergeant to audition in front of the Tops In Blue judging panel prior to the Tops In Blue performance at Delaware State University Nov. 19. His instincts were correct. 

"After I sang my first song, they wanted another," said Sergeant Brooks. "They asked for my resume after I was done singing. I was so unprepared that I didn't even have one ready for them. So, I had to hurry the next morning and e-mail one to them." 

Two weeks later, a Tops In Blue representative made a phone call to Col. Elaine K. Barron, 512th Mission Support Group commander about Sergeant Brooks' performance.
"This was a wonderful surprise for me and for the wing," said Colonel Barron. "Knowing the professionalism of Tops In Blue, this says a lot about Sergeant Brooks. She has passed the first round and has moved on to the world-wide competition." 

While Sergeant Brooks is soaring into this new opportunity, she may face some hurdles during her run to be a Tops In Blue member. 

"She needs to impress them from the moment she gets off the airplane," said Sergeant Frey. "Contestants are judged not just on their musical talent but also their personality and their ability to work with others. But, I don't think she'll have a problem with that part." 

No matter the outcome, Sergeant Brooks' first love, her children, ages 17 and 22, are now supporting her in reaching for the stars. 

"When I told my son about performing," said Sergeant Brooks, "he told me 'Mom I'll fly to wherever you go. I'll be there.'"