TOP STORY>>Little Rock Airman places in AMC Icon

By Airman 1st Class Regina Agoha
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Tiry Crane, a 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hydraulics specialist here at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., earned second place out of 10 finalists in the Air Mobility Command Icon contest Oct. 25, 2012, at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

The AMC Icon program is based on the hit TV program, American Idol. All AMC installations conducted base level talent shows during July and August with the top active duty member advancing to the finals to compete for the title of AMC Icon as well as a $2,000 cash prize.

Crane, who sang, “You,” by Chris Young at the competition, said he’s been singing since the eighth grade.

“My dad and my stepmom have a band,” said Crane. “They’ve had the band since I was eight years old. That’s what got me into music, but I didn’t know I could sing until my eighth-grade year. I got randomly put in a concert choir. My choir teacher told me that he couldn’t guarantee that I would be a good singer after the school year, but I would be a better singer. And I was. I’ve been singing ever since.”

Crane said singing is natural to him, and there’s not a day that goes by without him doing it. He sang with his parents for a while in their band, before joining the military. And though it’s not his main goal, when he’s inspired, he writes songs.

“Everything reminds me of singing,” he said. “It keeps me happy.”

Crane uses his talents not only in his personal life, but in his military life as well. Hesaid he has been singing the National Anthem here at Little Rock ever since he was an airman 1st class. And though he’s been singing for a while, he still gets nervous.

“I’m more comfortable singing than I used to be,” he said “but I’m always a little nervous. I figured if I’m never nervous, that’s when I’ve stopped caring as much.”

Crane received $600, two trophies, and a coin from General Raymond Johns, AMC commander, for earning second place. He said he was honored to receive second place and felt like everyone who competed was a worthy opponent.

Crane said he truly enjoys singing and knows that it and music will always be in his life.

“I cannot remember a time in my life when my dad wasn’t playing music and singing. I’ve been involved in it my entire life. Singing and music will forever be a part of my life.”