Idol contest showcases Holloman talent

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  There was singing from country to rhythm and blues and dancing from hip hop to ballet at the first ever Holloman Idol here June 2. 

More than 400 Airmen, family and friends came to see around 25 performers strut their stuff. 

The idea for a Holloman Idol came about just after Chap. (Capt.) Olga Westfall, 49th Fighter Wing chapel, came to Holloman. 

"I was told by my Wing Chaplain (Lt. Col. Timothy Wagoner) that I would be in charge of the Airmen Ministry they were planning to start," said Chaplain Westfall. "To better meet the needs of the Airmen, I decided to ask them what they would like to see happen at Holloman." 

Chaplain Westfall soon found many Airmen believe there isn't much to do on Holloman during the weekend. Airman 1st Class Sean Cooper, 49th Mission Support Squadron, suggested to the chaplain a Holloman Idol show, just like the American Idol TV that has swept the nation in recent years. 

"The Holloman Idol came about when my friends and I were talking about a way for all the Airmen to get together," said Airman Cooper. "We wanted to bring some excitement to the base." 

Airman Cooper and his friend Airman 1st Class Chad Penn, 49th Mission Support Group, emceed the event and also showed off their dancing skills. 

Of the more than 25 talent acts, five made it to the second round. The first place winner was Ashley James a dependent who sang and played the piano. Second place was Senior Airman Joshica Kiah, 49th Materiel Maintenance Support Squadron who sang. Third place was Tiffany Armijo a dependent who danced a contemporary ballet piece. 

Not only was Holloman Idol a great time for attendees and a success for the chapel, it kicked off the chapel's summer plans for Airmen. Starting June 13, there will be a single Airmen's Bible study every Wednesday at the Community Center at 6:30 p.m. Starting June 16, there will be a contemporary praise and worship service every third Saturday of the month. There will be a single Airmen's get away July 20 to the 22 and a cookout and concert in August. 

The chapel is looking into a Holloman Idol 2008 for next year, said Chaplain Westfall. 

For more information on upcoming chapel events, call the chapel at 572-7211.