Fairchild Airman returns to Tops in Blue

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Darlene West
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Senior Airman Christy Henderson, 92nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health, has been chosen to return as one of the members to perform in the Air Force's Tops in Blue due to an unexpected departure of a team member. A request was sent to 92nd AMDS stating that Airman Henderson was their first choice and asked if she could possibly return.

"We had to shuffle and train some personnel, tighten control on leaves and temporary duties and assume some additional duties across the office," said Master Sgt. Robert Flask, 92nd AMDS public health non-commissioned officer in charge.

Airman Henderson's job includes many different parts. She has worked in occupational health, medical profiles, deployment processing, food and facility sanitation, communicable disease and physicals.

Airman Henderson toured with Tops in Blue all of 2008 and got called back to tour again toward the later part of 2009.

She found out she made Tops in Blue January 2008 during a Commander's Call. "I didn't think I would make it because I didn't have any other musical talents besides my voice; I can't read musical notes or harmonize," she said.

The song which she performed for the initial tryout was "Endless Love," by Diana Ross, "I didn't have a definite reason why I picked this song, I guess I just liked how it sounded," said Airman Henderson.

According to her mother she started singing when she was about five years old. She did a few performances and auditions while in the Philippines.

Airman Henderson said she looks forward to touring the world, which she describes as
an amazing experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Tops in Blue has completely changed my life," said Airman Henderson. "Since I got off tour in 2008, I was completely a different person; I had built up confidence, patience and the determination to succeed in all I do."

Col. Al Reilly (Ret.) created the Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest in 1953 to discover talented airmen in various categories. His idea was to provide high-quality entertainment for Air Force families throughout the world.

Colonel Reilly then selected the top talent from the competition and produced a show with a cast of the best Air Force entertainers which ultimately became known as Tops in Blue. The debut tour traveled on a grueling trek, giving 230 shows in 235 days. That pace still continues today.

Tops in Blue has traveled over four million miles to military bases throughout the world, performed at six World Fairs, more than 100 state fairs and festivals, and performed at countless air shows, military balls and special events.