American Idol's Melinda Doolittle works with military musicians and visits wounded warriors

Published Feb. 24, 2010
By Benjamin Newell
AFDW Public Affairs

Air Force District of Washington -- American Idol top-3 finalist Melinda Doolittle turned a performance with The United States Air Force Band into a community service opportunity, encouraging Junior Air Force ROTC Cadets and spending time with wounded warriors at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

"To say I'm excited about this experience is an understatement," said Ms. Doolittle after her Feb. 21 performance at the Daughters of The American Revolution Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. "To be performing with musicians like this...and meeting with our nation's wounded warriors is really the experience of a lifetime," said Ms. Doolittle.

Her excitement was palpable during the performance, as she walked on stage following an introduction by Lt. Col. Alan Sierichs, USAF Band commander and music director. Ms. Doolittle took the stage and took charge, diving right into an hour-long set that covered classic love songs like Aretha Franklin's version of "My Funny Valentine" and other soulful favorites.

The day after the concert, Ms. Doolittle toured Walter Reed Army Medical Center, expressing her gratitude to the men and women of the armed forces. She visited with wounded warriors and met with Pfc. Michael Krapels in the recovery ward. Private Krapels took three assault weapon rounds to his left leg, severely damaging his left foot. He has at least one year of rehabilitation ahead. He related Ms. Doolittle's third place finish in American Idol to his own situation. "How could you know you'd be going up against Jordin Sparks?" asked Private Krapels. "I didn't think I'd end up here either," he said "I think we should both go back and show them we're ready again!"

Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darrell Jones attended the first 2010 Guest Artist Series Concert with a special guest of his own. Susan Merten, the wife of the Haitian Ambassador to the United States met with Ms. Doolittle and General Jones following the performance. "On behalf of my country, I thank you for all the concern and outpouring of sympathy at this time," said Mrs. Merten. Ms. Doolittle is involved in fundraising efforts for the Haitian relief operation and spoke with Mrs. Merten about conditions in Haiti.

Following the performance, Ms. Doolittle met with fans of all ages in a reception area backstage, including a JROTC group from Washington High School located in Somerset, Md. One fan, Tahja Cropper, an aspiring pianist and 2nd Lt. in Washington High School's JROTC program said, "I can't believe how down to earth she is. She really is concerned about others and wants to see us do well and follow through with our school work and training."

The JROTC class drove from Somerset County to see Ms. Doolittle perform with The USAF Band. "I can't tell you how excited they are," said Master Sgt. James McGee, Washington High's JROTC instructor. Sergeant McGee was busy quieting his 22 students when they got word that they would be ushered backstage to meet Ms. Doolittle. "It was well worth the two hour drive," said Sergeant McGee. "They're jumping out of their seats."

Ms. Doolittle spent most of her early career as a backup singer before being recognized as a talent with both alto and tenor qualities. "I just really enjoy soul music, so getting the band to work with me on that type of music was a great gift," said Ms. Doolittle. During the performance, she specifically pointed out members of The USAF Band's Singing Sergeants. "I know how hard that job is," said Ms. Doolittle. "Ladies and gentlemen, they're fantastic."

The USAF Band arranging staff put together a song lineup that highlighted her range, including works as diverse as "Since You've Been Gone," "I Got Rhythm," and "The Best of Everything." Nearly 1,700 people attended the first of The USAF Band's 2010 Guest Concert Series.
The Canadian Brass, a quintet with over 80 albums in their discography, will be featured in the ongoing USAF Band Guest Artist Series at the DAR Constitution Hall on March 7.