Tops in Blue perform for Eielson

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Shad Eidson
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Tops in Blue entertained hundreds of Icemen and their families by performing songs in two performances at the base theater here Jan. 2 and 3.

"We Believe" is this year's theme for the Tops in Blue world tour to give audiences the best in family entertainment. The visiting performers also made a trip out to entertain Airmen assigned to the remote location at Clear Air Force Station Feb. 1.

"I like that we perform around the world for mostly military personnel and their families," said Airman 1st Class Jette Warnick, one of the Tops in Blue performers. "I really feel lucky I get to help boost morale for them and the families."

Prior to being selected as a performer, she was a public affairs journalist assigned to Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.

"Where else can you travel all over the world, get to help boost morale for Airmen and their families, and get paid to do it," said Tech. Sgt. Mathew Flowers, Iowa Air National Guard technical director assigned to the 132nd Fighter Wing, at Des Moines, Iowa. "I enjoy the chance to see the world and travel with such a great group of Airmen."

These talented entertainers took Icemen on a journey empowerment, through performances from a wide variety of genres, including patriotic tunes.

"We see Tops in Blue every time they are in town," said Chief Master Sgt. Alexander Del Valle, 354th Operations Group superintendent. "It's impressive to see our Airmen showcasing their talents for our enjoyment."

Tops in Blue serves as an expeditionary entertainment unit to provide quality entertainment from within Air Force resources specifically for the Air Force family, with priority to personnel stationed worldwide at remote and deployed locations. They also simultaneously promote community relations, support recruiting efforts and serve as ambassadors for the United States of America and the United States Air Force.

For the past 57 years, Tops In Blue has traveled to more than 20 countries to perform more than 120 times each year for Airmen and families around the world. Although the mission of Tops in Blue is currently multi-faceted in meeting the needs of the Air Force, it still maintains the original concept of "family entertaining family."

The troupe departed Eielson Feb. 5 for their next performance of "America the Beautiful" during festivities leading up to Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, Texas, Feb. 6. Tops In Blue last performed during Super Bowl XIX as the halftime show in 1985.