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Freedom's song reaches Fairchild

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janelle Patiño
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Tops in Blue, the Air Force's premier entertainment group, performed for the Spokane community and Team Fairchild at the Northern Quest Casino in Airway Heights, Washington, Nov. 23.

Tops In Blue consists of 35 to 40 of the most talented vocalists, musicians, dancers and technicians anywhere and is one of the oldest and most widely traveled entertainment groups of its kind. The primary purpose of the group is to entertain military personnel. This includes military families and Airmen who are stationed at remote and deployed locations. The group does this while simultaneously promoting community relations, supporting recruiting efforts and serving as ambassadors for the United State of America and the U.S. Air Force.

Airmen from all over the Air Force audition for the opportunity to perform and inspire other people. Before beginning their 11 month tour, the team goes through an intense 60-day training period at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, to prepare.

"As a young Airman, it's a great opportunity for me to learn and also use my talent to give back to those who have served and are serving with us," said Airman 1st Class Christine Marie David, administration journeyman from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

The group ranges from young Airmen and officers to seasoned senior NCOs who come from a wide variety of Air Force career fields, including maintenance, medical, communications, intelligence and everything in between.

"Tops In Blue auditions are just like the American Idol Hollywood Week where we send an audition video to get the opportunity to actually audition live in San Antonio," said 1st Lt. Lauren Rogers, Public Affairs Officer from Misawa Air Base, Japan.

According to Rogers, Tops in Blue gives her a different way to speak to people. It's a way for them to portray what the Air Force is about through music.

"Personally, when Tops In Blue performed in Japan, it brought me to tears. It brought me closer to home and made me realize how much impact music has on people," said Rogers. "I wanted to be a part of something that touches people and remind them what the military is all about."

Rogers added, what many people don't know is that the group not only performs, but they also do everything from setting up to taking down all the equipment.

The show left people in awe and proud to be a part of the U.S. Air Force.

"Seeing the show reminded me of why I joined the Air Force," said Roberto Barragan, 92nd Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operations dispatcher and operator. "It made me feel proud to be a part of such a great organization. Where do I sign up?"

Tops in Blue will perform for Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont., November 28. For more information about Tops In Blue, visit www.usafservices.com/TopsInBlue.