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Airman by day, Actor by Night

  • Published
  • By Sachel Seabrook
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
Eglin AFB, Fla. --  During the day, Staff Sgt. Michael Stallings, 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron, is known as the fuels distribution supervisor. By night he's known as Daniel Warren, retired U.S. Marine.

Sergeant Stallings made his acting debut in "Sin, Sex and the CIA" with Stage Crafters Community Theatre March 11. Though he's always had an interest for acting, this opportunity happened by odd chance.

"My ex-wife told me about the audition," said Sergeant Stallings. "I went in a little nervous, but I've learned a lot."

Once he auditioned and found out he got the part, he jumped at the opportunity, but with some reservations.

"I have had people tell me I couldn't do it, or I wouldn't be any good, and to finally go out and act and hear from the director and fellow actors that I'm good is really uplifting," said Stallings, who's wanted to be an actor since childhood.

The South Dakota native described this acting experience as refreshing- one that has helped him both on and off the stage.

"Acting has helped me so much in my professional life, as well as personally," said the eight-year veteran. "It's given me an avenue to relieve stress and express myself in ways I've always wanted to."

In August, Sergeant Stallings will deploy to Afghanistan for a year, where he will be training Afghans on fuel operations and equipment. In the meantime, the young actor hoped that the audience not only enjoyed the show, but left inspired to find a way to release their own frustration- especially his younger airmen.

"It's important to find an outlet," said the Sergeant. "Working in the military, we know things aren't always going to go as planned, but when you calm down and collect yourself, things can get fixed and get back on track."