Seasons greetings host has AF background

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jason Tudor
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
The emcee for a whirlwind musical and comedy show making six stops in Europe carries with her three decades of Air Force family life and the want to give back to her country.

Mary Therese Tebbe is the hostess for the Air Force Reserve's Operation Seasons Greetings program. It includes combined Air Force Reserve Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe bands, New England Patriot cheerleaders, comedian Andy Andrews, Restless Heart and Tebbe.

The program kicked off here Nov. 18 and more than 300 people attended the show.

Tebbe, a news anchorwoman for a television station in Macon, Ga., said she feels as though she is playing "Bob Hope in a dress," and it is a great way to give back something to servicemembers.

"I grew up watching Bob Hope (United Services Organizations) specials on television. I never missed them. So, although I can't wear the uniform … I always thought it was so awesome to be able to spread a little cheer to people who were far away from home," she said.

Tebbe said she also understands Air Force life. Her father was a recruiter in the Air Force Reserve for 32 years. She spent time at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., before her family eventually settled at Robins AFB, Ga.

Tebbe said she has been in nine countries in three years; however, this was her first visit here. Her 2002 visit here got canceled when high winds forced the show's aircraft to fly elsewhere three separate times.

Tebbe said her involvement with the program also had meaning for her father, who died two years ago.

"He was so proud of me being involved in this," she said. "It means a lot to me knowing he's smiling down from heaven and knowing that I am doing these missions."

Tebbe's work was not confined to the stage. She visited more than 30 students from elementary and high schools here Nov. 18., talking about her career in journalism and handing out footballs, hats and candy on behalf of Warner Robins High School.

"I thoroughly enjoy coming and talking to the kids because I am a military brat," she said. "Although I didn't go overseas, I understood what it meant to pack up and leave your friends behind."

Tebbe said the tour is the opportunity of a lifetime.

"This is my one opportunity that I'm seizing and going with," she said. "It's that important to me." (Courtesy of USAFE News Service)