A Special Holiday Message From the Chief of Air Force Entertainment...

"This holiday season, I would like to ask each of you to do something very special. I ask you to remember all of the members of our Tops In Blue family over the past 40 years, but especially those who have passed on or have suffered hardship. Remember the contributions they made. We can all recall those special moments we shared with them. Like Christmas in Korea, or providing entertainment for the victims of Hurricane Andrew, and most recently touring the Eastern Bloc nations. Let us reflect on all they did, sharing their wonderful talents and bringing so very much to other people's hearts. In remembering those very special members of our Tops In Blue family, may you reflect on what this season is truly all about - giving. And with that, may your holidays take on a whole new meaning....Best wishes." Tom Edwards

Tops in Blue '94 Writes a New Chapter in the Tops in Blue History Book.

"Unscheduled" Trip to Cuba Sets Yet Another Precedent and Boosts Troops

Playing to standing-room-only crowds and drawing rave reviews has become the norm for Tops In Blue '94. But recently, they did something totally out of the norm and in the process, provided yet another chapter in the glorious history of Tops In Blue. It began with a telephone call from General Hypes, the Air Force commander at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He contacted Tom Edwards at Air Force Entertainment and said that the troops at the base were in dire need of a show. Morale was down and there was little to do. They needed something. They needed Tops In Blue. But Tops In Blue was already on its' scheduled tour. They were just leaving Niagara Falls, NY and were on their way to Alaska. Nevertheless, the general was in a desperate situation and needed a minor miracle. Of course, who better to work a miracle than Tom Edwards and Tops In Blue. And so, with some short-notice shuffling, rapid re-scheduling and last minute logistics, TIB '94 found themselves at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, becoming the first Tops In Blue tour to visit the island. The group performed two shows for the 8,000+ plus multi-service troops and a third show for the Cuban and Haitian refugees and children who are being held at the base. The shows were very, very well received and provided a much needed boost for everyone. The general was truly thankful. Tops In Blue '94 continued the tradition we have for getting the job done. And in doing so, served to reconfirm the fact that Tops In Blue has a direct effect on the Air Force mission. It's true - just look in our history book!

Who's Who At Air Force Entertainment...

Air Force Entertainment (AFE) has undergone many changes. Not only has the face of the program changed, but also the faces of the people who administer them. Here's a quick look at Tom Edwards' "other" cast, the staff of AF Entertainment. First, there's Kendall Wagner. He's been on board for a few years now and is currently the Tour Coordinator at AFE. He also handles computer operations. Terry Griffey is the Musical Coordinator. You may recall him as the musical arranger/ conductor at numerous Worldwide Talent Contests. Then there's TSgt Chuck Duffield, a jack of all trades, who's about to retire in February - we wish him the best. Also on board is Heather Johnson. Her title is Secretary, but according to Tom, she's a lot more than that - an integral part of the office operation who gets things done! And last but not least, a returning member of the AFE staff - our own Bernie Rone. I had the pleasure of working with "Bern" during my days at AFE and it's great to see he's back. He's currently the Entertainment Operations Coordinator. By the way, he's also the latest Golden Roger recipient, receiving his recognition at the last WWTC. All in all, the entire staff is doing a great job. Thanks to them and Tom, the program is alive and well.

SPOTLIGHT - What Happened To?.....

Present: Cassandra is currently a Consumer Markets Sales Manager for MCI Telecommunications in Glendale, Colorado.

(Go to the top of the next column.)

She resides in nearby Aurora, Colorado with her son Christopher. "Cass" is still singing these days and most recently has worked with "Miles Jaye" in Denver. A member of the "Voices of Triumph" gospel mass choir, she is also doing periodic recordings in conjunction with her sister Stephanie's upcoming album.

Present: "The Lloyd" currently lives in Del Valle, Texas where he works with a transportation firm which provides bus and limousine service for numerous corporate VIPs. He's also continuing his singing career. He's currently the featured vocalist in The Leon Roberts Band. The group specializes in classic soul, jazz and contemporary music and is a regular fixture at community and social functions as well as nightclubs in and around Austin, Texas.

Present: "Mr. Fun," a Tops In Blue mainstay for three tours, is now a Cost Analyst and European Representative for Tecolote Research. Ed is currently living in Germany, along with his wife Dennie who is stationed there. The couple has one daughter, Danielle. In his spare time, Ed is still very active in entertainment, serving as a DJ and producing and performing in comedy shows throughout Europe.

Blue Notes

Yours truly will be assisting Tom at the Regional Talent Competition at Travis AFB, CA, Jan 10-15. Hope to see some of you there. Dave Sullivan (former TIB tour director) is retired, back in San Antonio and working as a civilian at Randolph AFB. I got to see Tops In Blue '94 and all I can say is it's a great cast and a great show!!! Two thumbs up! Got several good ideas from Bob Morrow (TIB '88) which I hope to try. Got any ideas? Let me know.

"Give Me A Count, Please!" Through your dedicated efforts, the following Tops In Blue family members are now in the "We Are Family" database:

Thanks to everyone for their help. The list is growing, but we've still got a lot more folks to find, so let's keep up the search. If you wish to contact someone on the list, just drop me a line or give me a call and I'll get you the information I have.

Backstage

Next edition I'll report on the Regional Contest and update you on the talent program. Also I'll provide the names of some people who are working on some ideas for sponsorship. And of course, more "spotlights" and our first "solo" interview. In the meantime - I wish you a wonderful holiday season and a joyous New Year...T.A.