2009 Operation Warm Heart features combat karaoke

  • Published
  • By Joe B. Wiles
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Operation Warm Heart, the Vance first sergeants' program that provides holiday food baskets to those who need one, has taken a karaoke twist this year.

Combat karaoke is an opportunity for Team Vance members to vote on which senior base leaders will sing a karaoke song at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 25, at the Vance Collocated Club.

To place a vote or contribute to a bounty, contact your unit's first sergeant.

"If we collect a $300 bounty, Col. Chris Nowland (71st Flying Training Wing commander) will sing a song of his choice at the Club," said Senior Master Sgt. Mark Holling, the 71st Mission Support Group first sergeant. "For $350, the crowd will pick the song."

Similar bounties apply to other senior leaders at Vance. "Col. Richard Murphy (71st FTW vice commander) will sing for $300," said Sergeant Holling. An additional $50 allows the crowd to choose the song.

"If we collect $1,200, Colonels Nowland and Murphy will sing the duet, 'I Got You Babe,'" said Sergeant Holling.

Group commanders and the wing command chief have $200 bounties, with $250 giving the crowd song choice. Any group chief or first sergeant will sing for $100.

In addition to the singing bounties, other unit individuals can be selected to sing by receiving 25-cent votes. "The two top vote-getters in each group will be given the mike on Nov. 25," said Sergeant Holling. "Of course, they can buy their way out of the performance," he said.

The objective of Combat Karaoke is to fund Operation Warm Heart and ensure no Team Vance member goes without a holiday feast, said Sergeant Holling. The money raised will go to providing all the fixings for a traditional holiday dinner for the recipient.

"While the primary target for Operation Warm Heart is junior enlisted families, we would not rule out anyone in need," said Sergeant Holling. Supervisors with personnel who would benefit from Operation Warm Heart should contact a first sergeant, he said.