Tops in Blue boosts servicemembers' morale through song

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ian Carrier
  • 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) --  "Tops in Blue," known as the Air Forces' Expeditionary Entertainers, performed here May 2 to a standing-room only crowd.

The show, themed "The Fly By," featured hit songs by Tom Jones, The Supremes, The Beach Boys, Chubby Checker and the Charlie Daniels Band. The show was presented as a tribute to 60 years of proud Air Force history.

"I was so impressed with the performances," said Tech. Sgt. Treka Bunkley, 386th
Expeditionary Services Squadron. "This was the first time I've seen them and it was more than I expected."

The group is an all active-duty Air Force special unit made up of performers selected for their entertainment abilities. Each year, base talent contests are held and the most talented move on to higher levels of competition.

Each year's tour begins with a month and a half of training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. The team learns the instrumental and vocal parts of the show as well as the choreography and technical aspects. The team not only performs, but must also set up more than 36,000 pounds of lighting, staging, audio and special effects equipment.
"Tops in Blue" travels throughout the world to entertain Airmen and their families, with priority given to those stationed at remote and deployed locations. They are continuing their morale tour throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility right now.

While here, they certainly lifted the morale of audience members, Staff Sgt. Shanate Jones, 386 ESVS, was dazzled by the effort of the members of the troupe. "It was very energetic. I don't know how they keep up that energy through a whole show. I've been to Broadway shows, and I put this on the same level."

The finale, during which the Lee Greenwood song "Proud to be an American" was performed, seemed to be the big hit of the event. This particular song has been part of Tops in Blue tradition for 20 years, being performed in every show. 

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