Growing up with a mother in the Air Force, Airman First Class Anthoney Williams knew what he was getting into when he decided to enlist after graduating from high school.

As for his experience in Tops in Blue, the Air Force's all-active duty entertainment showcase? That's an entirely different story.

"It's been an awesome experience ... I'm like a rock star," he said.

Williams, who lived in Tacoma for two years and graduated from Spanaway Lake High School, returned to the area for a performance Monday at JBLM-McChord Field.

Although he was born in Georgia outside of Moody Air Force Base, Williams considers Tacoma his hometown.

"I loved it while I was here," said Williams, 21, who one day plans on moving back. "I really turned from an east coast guy to a west coast guy."

The young airman learned to play the trumpet growing up and played in the Spanaway Lake band his junior year. He stopped his senior year.

"I thought after high school I would be done with the trumpet," he said.

But the Air Force had other plans. Williams was chosen over four other trumpet players to be part of a one-year tour with the traveling showcase.

"It's been a big roller coaster ride, with the travel schedule and the performances," said the airman, who's current duty station is Misawa Air Base, Japan, where he is a fire protection apprentice in the 35th Civil Engineer Squadron.

His experience has elevated his musical talents, though.

"It's progressed ten-fold. I can now go crazy with  (the trumpet)," he said.

After completing his education and logging a few more years in the Air Force, Williams said a career as a studio musician is a real possibility.

"It would be great to one day play with Michael Buble or Jason Meraz," Williams said.