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Service members usually end up in the spotlight because of their ability to get the job done efficiently, going above and beyond to make it happen no matter what. Though that plays a big part, for one U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa Airman, standing out is not just because of her talent for “making it happen,” but her ability to pour her soul into her work in the form of music.
For Airman 1st Class Melissa Lackore, USAFE-AFAFRICA Band vocalist, making her hobby her career is an added bonus.
For Lackore, receiving awards is nice, but being able to do her hobby while building morale and partnerships with other nations makes her job more enjoyable.
“I love singing at the different festivals because the band gets to build partnerships and know all the locals here,” said Lackore. “I get to interact with them and see how they celebrate different holidays. Speaking to the audience afterwards is when we get to hear their reactions to our music.”
Being away from her family means they aren’t able to see her performances. Coming here, she didn’t know her first performance would be one of her most publicized gigs.
“Right when I got off the plane here at Ramstein I got to sing the national anthem for the Armed Forces Classic college basketball game that was aired internationally,” said Lackore. “It was really cool because my family back home got to see me on TV.”
Her ability to jump into a performance of that level right away proved to her superiors she has the ability to adapt to different situations and styles of music.
“She has the ability to be versatile in multiple styles of music,” said Tech. Sgt. Andrew Benton, USAFE-AFAFRICA Band pianist. “She is an example to our Airmen as someone who is dedicated to the mission.”
Hard work, building partnerships and volunteering are some of the reasons why she is on her way to the top. “Rocking out” during and after work makes her a well-rounded Airman.
