A SEASONAL MESSAGE FROM TOM EDWARDS

As we celebrate this joyous holiday season and the dawning of a new millennium, Linda and I would like to wish each of you and your  families the very best. I would also like to ask that, as always, you keep in mind our military men and women who are far from home and from their loved ones during this time. Let us remember those who continue to sacrifice for their country by putting themselves in harms' way in remote and isolated areas around the world. Let us keep them and their families in our prayers.

I would also like you to keep in mind those members of our family for whom this may not be the brightest of times. We have priors who may be facing personal or health challenges. We have those who have lost loved ones during the past year. It is at times like these that we must be there for one another, to provide a helping hand, a kind word, or uplifting thought. This is what being a family is all about.

We also need to recognize that just as we have had good days and bad days on tour, we go through similar situations in every day life. As such, we shouldn't be quick to criticize each other, especially when we are not aware of what may be going on in a person's life or what they may be dealing with. In as much as this is the season of giving, let us be willing to give someone the benefit of the doubt, especially when the going gets tough. And let us resolve to keep that thought in mind throughout the coming year. Let us also work resolve our differences and do everything we can to keep our Tops In Blue family strong. "Unity above all else" - let it be our thought for the new year. 

Once again, Linda and I thank you for your support and wish you a wonderful holiday and a prosperous new year. 

Tom Edwards

WORLDWIDE SET FOR 14-23 JANUARY

Assistance Needed for Contest at Andrews

Air Force Entertainment has announced that the 2000 Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest has been set for 14-23 January. Once again, the contest will be held at Andrews AFB, Maryland.

Tom Edwards is also proud to announce that accompaniment for the contestants will once again be provided by "The Air Force's Most Dangerous Band." This talented group is under the direction of Barry Best and features priors Jim Wintermyre, Zef Smith, Lucky Bush, and Darryl McEachin.

As always, assistance is needed to help conduct the contest. In addition to technical support, project coordinators and operational staff, there is a need for individuals to head up the talent teams and provide guidance for the performers. This is another opportunity for our TIB priors to give something back to the program.

If you are interested in helping, please contact Air Force Entertainment at (210) 652-6566.

TIB '99 IN THE HOME STRETCH

Here is the remaining itinerary for TIB '99

TWO MORE TOPS IN BLUE PRIORS FIND SHOWBIZ SUCCESS

He was a singer with a cool country sound and a soft guitar.  She was a diminutive, energetic vocalist with a big voice. Both reached their dream of making Tops In Blue. Now they have added another page to the programs' success stories.

Dan Daulton competed and toured with TIB 1980. He was best remembered as "Danny Boy" the elevator operator whose smooth rendition of "Sunshine" was a big hit in that year's show. He retired from the AF as a Master Sergeant in 1997 and since then has made his mark in show business. He is currently working as a singer and dancer in the Anita Bryant Show at Tennessee's fabled Music Mansion. He's also become an accomplished songwriter, collaborating with members of Nashville's Song Writers Association and performing his songs at Nashville's legendary Blue Bird Café.

Stephanie Hancock (formerly Parker) dazzled the audience at Worldwide in 1978 with her rendition of "Mr. Melody." Her showstopping performance earned her a Roger, Best of Show, and a tour with TIB.  After her tour she spent several years in the Air Force Academy Band before separating.

Today she and her husband own Hancock & Hancock Music, Inc.  Working with some of the top musicians in the country, Stephanie has just released her very first CD - "This Happy Madness"  Featuring an inspired compilation of mellow jazz tunes, Stephanie's CD has garnered several five star ratings on "Amazon.com" and is currently a hot seller on the popular internet retail site.

Both Dan and Stephanie give credit to Tops In Blue for much of their success and are thankful for having had the opportunity to be a part of it. 

To Steph and Dan - congratulations on your achievements!

Go to the top of the next column.

EDITOR'S COLUMN: TIB WEBSITE BULLETIN BOARD SHOULDN'T BE USED AS A GRIPE LINE

I'm sure that we're all very thankful to Bob Morrow for creating the Tops In Blue website and the bulletin board. At times, however, it seems that some of us abuse the site by using the bulletin board as a forum for complaints and negative comments.

After a recent conversation I had with Tom Edwards, I feel that this is an area we all need to be mindful of. From time to time we may have issues or concerns that we would like to have addressed. But the resolution of these issues does not lie in gossip and demeaning the program on the bulletin board. Instead, we should use the proper channels. Why not "dial direct?" For example, if you have a question about the Golden Roger, ask a recipient or better yet, ask Tom. If you have a problem with a member of the family, deal with them directly. Don't speculate, start rumors, or criticize the program or each other on the site.

Just stop and think - what would you do if there were no website? Would you take out an ad in the paper and voice your displeasure about a certain issue dealing with the program or another prior? Would you call every TIB prior and tell them about it? Would that serve any meaningful purpose? Or would you be better off trying to get the issue addressed at the source?

Our website is a great medium. We can use it to stay in touch and to stay informed. We can find so many wonderful things on our site-laughter, shared experiences, conversation, and even support in hard times.

Let's rejoice in those things and let's not turn the bulletin board into an on-line version of some cheap supermarket tabloid. Let's respect each other and program enough to keep the negativity at bay. And when we have issues, let's use direct communication, and get to the bottom line. And yes, if you have issues with this column, feel free to let me know - directly. 

T.A. Burrows, taburrows@att.net
Editor                                                       

SPOTLIGHT: Where Are They Now?

 A thundering bass player with TIB, Lucky retired from the Air Force in 1992 and now lives in Olympia, Washington. He  now works for an Aircraft Repair Station as a QA inspector. He remarried in 1991 and now has a 12-year old stepson who plays guitar. Lucky's last musical venture was with the Goodwill Games at the University of Washington in 1990, but he still makes it a point to try to catch TIB whenever they come to the McChord area.  

David was a trombonist in the "Road to Superbowl" show in '84. He's out of the Air Force now and currently lives on a farm in Amish country in Millersburg, Ohio with his wife and two children (ages 11 and 12). David is the manager of Fisher Auditorium on the campus of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, a branch of Ohio State University. When he's not working, Dave spends his time on his farm raising chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats and produce.

Although she was an excellent vocalist in her own right, Edith will always be remembered for her role as "Evilene" in the '79 show's "Wiz" segment. Out of the Air Force now, she is lives in Rockledge, Florida and is currently a 20-year civilian working for the government at Patrick AFB.  She is married and has children-Oscar, who will be graduating this year; and Devonda who has blessed her with two beautiful grandchildren. Edith's singing has toned down lately, but she says she's been blessed because her talent has been passed on to both of her children and her granddaughter.

BLUE NOTES

Once again, let's remember to send holiday wishes to the creator of Tops In Blue - Colonel Al Reilly - as a way of saying thank you for creating the program in 1953 and providing continued support. His address is 1625 Vickers Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918-8122.

Many of you may remember Golden Roger Recipient Nell Buckley who was a mainstay in what was then ATC's Talent Program and has always been an ardent supporter of Tops In Blue. Please pray for her, as she is gravely ill at this time in San Antonio. (Update: Nell died on 20 Dec 99.)

Congrats to Rob & Nadine Martin, the proud parents of Julian James Martin born 15 Nov, at 6 lbs., 8 oz., 19 3/4 inches long.

"Teeq" Benzon is now out of the Air Force, he earned his MBA from Colorado State University and is working as a stockbroker in Denver.  Prior Dave Woodruff and his group are currently on tour with The Kingston Trio.

Tom is looking for keyboard players for Tops In Blue 2000. If you have any leads, please call AF Entertainment at (210) 652-6566. 

We welcome back to the fold John Brandon Barnes, who toured with TIB in 1956 and Jerry Brown who was Tops In Blue in 1965 when there was no tour, but they recorded an album instead! By the way, we now have over 380 priors in our database and 20 of those toured in the 1950's!

Finally, if you have any news or information please let me know. Remember, it's your newsletter!  Best wishes to all for a wonderful holiday season, see you in 2000.  -T.A.