17th MUNS Airman best in talent show Published Jan. 12, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- After years of playing his electric guitar, he had begun to think it was simply a lost cause. Yet, when given the opportunity to prove his mettle as a musician, he earned something he had never dared to imagine: a spot among the cream of the crop. Air Force entertainment officials selected one Global Strike Command Airman from Minot Air Force Base as best in the show and top musician at the annual Air Force Worldwide Talent Search Dec. 6-13 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Airman 1st Class Jonathan Salvador, 17th Munitions Squadron air launched cruise missile maintenance team member, was named best in the show after performing a rendition of the song "Smooth" by musician Carlos Santana at the AFWTS competition. "I was very surprised, yet honored to have been picked as top entertainer for the competition," said Airman Salvador. He noted that every one of his competitors deserved recognition for their great performances as well. "Airmen at the competition were all equally deserving of recognition," he stated. "Their skills were all great." Airman Salvador said his objective at the competition was really just put on a great show. "I've always wanted to impress a crowd and that is what I did," he added. "I knew what the judges were looking for and I did my best to stir everybody up." Airman Salvador explained this recognition has not only improved his morale all around, but that of his workplace as well. "When I came back to work everybody was excited that I had won," explained Airman Salvador. "My supervisor was very pleased to see what I had accomplished." Staff Sgt. Donald Derusha, 17th Munitions Squadron missile maintenance team chief and Airman Salvador's supervisor had encouraged him to audition for the competition. "He was excited when I encouraged him to audition for the competition," said Sergeant Derusha. The Sergeant had been trying to get Airman Salvador to audition for a long time because he knew he had the talet and he would succeed. "Airman Salvador has always been on top of his work," said Sergeant Derusha. "Ever since he first arrived here he has proven his ability to get any job done." Airman Salvador said that in his six years of playing the guitar he never imagined winning a competition. "There came a point in time when I nearly quit playing because I felt as playing the guitar was pointless," said Airman Salvador. "Especially during college since I didn't have much time to practice." Nevertheless, his victory at Lackland AFB reinforced his motivation to continue playing. "I always knew music was a big part of my life," said Airman Salvador. "This accomplishment will definitely get me back on the path towards practicing for any future event to come." He said his mother is responsible for initiating his passion for guitar playing. "My mother introduced me to the guitar," explained Airman Salvador. "There was a guitar back home and one day my mom decided to teach me some musical chords and I have been playing ever since." Later, he began watching instructional videos on guitar playing and would attempt to recreate the musical sounds played by his favorite musicians. Airman Salvador said after a lot of hard work he was able to join his church's band back home and played the guitar for them on Sundays. "Music truly has become part of my everyday life," said Airman Salvador. "Whenever I hear music that I really like, it pumps up my spirit." To think that he almost gave up on the guitar at one point in his life baffles him. "I am proud of myself for having won best in the show at the AFWTS," said Airman Salvador. "It was honor to represent Minot."