RE-ROUTED, RE-SCHEDULED, BUT ROLLING ON

Like our nation, Tops In Blue is undaunted, undeterred in its mission

The tragic events of September 11th were designed to bring our country to its knees. They did not. To be certain, as Americans, we paused in shock and dismay at these unthinkable acts. However, while we will never forget that day, we have gathered ourselves and have forged ahead with our way of life, undaunted and undeterred, with a stronger sense of unity and resolve than ever before. That attitude is reflected in every facet of our society, including our military and Tops In Blue.

Like the rest of us, the cast of TIB 2001 was deeply distressed by the events of that day. They had just embarked on the USAFE leg of their tour at the time of the attack. But Tom Edwards, Air Force Entertainment, and the cast of Tops In Blue have refused to allow the horror perpetrated by our enemies to deter them from their mission. Although their USAFE tour was suspended, the group turned in a stellar performance at the USO Salute at the lavish Kur Haus in Wiesbaden, Germany, entertaining the American Ambassador to Germany and a host of German and American dignitaries.

Following that show, Tom and the cast remained in Germany and promptly went to work; spending several days developing a new, patriotic version of their popular show, "The Magic of Music." Shortly thereafter, the group returned to San Antonio and continued rehearsals.

Meanwhile Tom and his dedicated Air Force Entertainment staff worked diligently to put together a revised schedule, which includes special performances such as two shows with Lee Greenwood - the Armed Forces Tribute in Fort Walton Beach, FL and the American Logistics Association Convention in Washington D.C.; as well as the opening ceremonies of NASCAR's Pennzoil 400 in Miami and a show at the season's final NASCAR Winston Cup race in Atlanta.

Tom's determination and that of his staff and the cast is driven by their recognition of the fact that the mission of Tops In Blue has never been more important than it is right now. May God bless them for their fortitude and bless their combined efforts in the fulfillment of that mission. As of this writing, the USAFE tour has been postponed and the revised schedule is here. (Note: Other show dates are still being coordinated and will be posted on the official Air Force Tops In Blue website when the information becomes available)

AFE NEEDS PRIOR HELP TO FIND TALENT FOR NEXT YEAR'S CRITICAL TOUR

In times like these, many of us are called upon to step up and take on added responsibilities. This year, more than ever we are being called upon as priors, to help Tops In Blue and Air Force Entertainment meet what will be a very important mission in 2002. With the uncertainty of the current conflict and the taxing of our military manpower, AFE faces a daunting task next year in assembling a cast for Tops In Blue 2002. And the significance of that task is heightened by the fact that next year's tour looms as a critical one, in the face of what our Air Force family may be dealing with in terms of a wartime situation..

As such, the need for Tops In Blue may be greater than at any time since the Gulf War. But that need may be unfulfilled if there is no talent for the tour. While the dates for the Worldwide Competition have yet to be set, we have to look ahead and start taking a proactive approach to helping identify talent for the program. We need to get out, go to the community centers and see who's having a "jam session." Go to the club or even downtown and check out the karaoke nights and look for potential vocalists there. When you come across talented people, talk to them. Oddly enough, many people don't know about Tops In Blue or don't believe they are good enough to participate. But remember AFE is looking for potential. So enlighten them and courage them to get involved in the program. Help them in any way you can.

Air Force Entertainment is ready to assist you in the process, with their "talent scout" program. Carol Sudy at AFE is the primary contact and will provide you with information as well as a kit, complete with applications for prospective cast members. You can contact Carol at 210-652-6566.

The time is now. Let's do all we can to get as many people as possible to participate. Remember, the success of next year's crucial tour depends upon it.

PAYING DUES PAYS OFF FOR TOPS IN BLUE '72 VOCALIST

Nearly 30 years after touring with Tops In Blue, prior Debra Floyd-Canada is realizing her lifelong dream. Since her 1972 tour, she's been singing on and off paying her dues and looking for that illusive golden opportunity to make it big. It's been a long road, but now that dream is coming to fruition. She will a featured vocalist in a sensation new show in Hawaii entitled "An Evening with Frank Sinatra." The show premieres on November 9th at the Sheraton Waikiki and is booked for a continuous run.

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The show takes its audience on a musical journey through Frank Sinatra's career. Debra performs three duets in the show with Randy Smith, a close friend who performs Sinatra's songs in his own unique style. The duets include "What Now My Love?", "I've Got a Crush on You", and "Witchcraft." Debra also has two solos; "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" and "I Won't Cry Anymore."

Debra says since moving to Hawaii with her husband Chuck, she's been able to focus on her singing career for the first time in her life and it has paid off. But it hasn't been easy. Being on an island with a considerable amount of talent, things are very competitive. She says she thanks God for this opportunity and feels very blessed. "Over the past two years, I have met so many nice, talented people. One of those people was Randy Smith, whose voice Debra describes as one that could "melt butter." After befriending Debra, Randy was approached by Jack Cione, the show's director, who is well known for having directed numerous successful shows in Hawaii. As it turns out Debra was already familiar with Jack, as she'd worked with him during the "Mardi Gras Follies" at Pearl Harbor. After securing Randy for the show, Jack and the producer, Yemen Chung, wanted to hold open auditions for the female lead. But Randy insisted on Debra. Once Jack, Yemen, and the Sheraton management heard the two of them perform together, they were so impressed that they booked the premiere show on the spot! And the rest is history.

Now, Debra is looking forward with great anticipation to an opening night that has been a long time coming. After sharing her story with friends, she said, "Someone e-mailed me about how it's funny how opportunities come to some people. I wrote back and said, 'Yeah, sing for 30 years and you might just end up an overnight sensation!" True, but then again as they say, "Good things come to those who wait." Break a leg, Debra!

PRIORS' WEBSITE NOW BOASTS A NEW WEB-BASED CHAT FEATURE

For those that have been around the website for the past four or five years, you might remember a few attempts at live chat sessions, using "IRC" (internet relay chat). While IRC was used briefly, it was (and still is) too technical and it required a separate program. That came to an end on September 26, when Bob Morrow (TIB 88) installed a new web-based live chat feature.

It requires a Java-capable browser (most browsers since Version 4 are) and that's it! It only takes a minute or two to load. When it does, enter your name on the top line, then tab to the next line and enter some other information, such as your tour year; then click on the "Volano" button to the right of the top line. After you log in, a list of users currently logged in will be displayed in the right pane. Help and other features are available and just like the other parts of the site, this new chat feature is available 24/7. Log on and check it out!

Where Are They Now?

Present: A TIB sax & flute player, LaVoid is currently the CEO and owner of TLC Limousines in Boca Raton Florida. But he hasn't given up music. He is still playing as a soloist and recently decided to do a solo instrumental CD, which he hopes to complete by Feb 2002. LaVoid has a 19-year old daughter who is attending veterinary school and a son, 25, who is stationed at MacDill AFB in Tampa.

Present: Don met and married a Canadian woman and moved to Canada where he toured with his own band for about eight years. He and his wife had four kids. These days he's going it "solo" and lives in Grand Forks, ND where he is currently running a production company that does everything from live concerts to providing DJ services for wedding receptions.

In Memoriam

MSgt (ret) Van Smith, TIB 1957 died on 9/20/2001.

Blue Notes

Congratulations to Colonel (sel) Gary Smith (TIB '78), who will pin on his eagles in style, with a grand promotion ceremony at Nellis AFB, NV, followed by a promotion party at Caesar's Palace. Yours truly, T.A. Burrows, will be opening for Teddy Pendergrass in Phoenix on October 25th and performing my musical-comedy, Ain't Missed a Beat at Lackland AFB on October 27th. Congrats also go out to TIB 91's Jolene (Bechard) VanBeek. She and her husband Tim were doubly blessed on July 21st with twin boys Ryan Clifford and Drew Daniel. Kudos from Tom to TIB Prior, MSgt (sel) Mark Fletcher for the outstanding job he did in producing the video for the honorees at the USO Salute in Germany. AFE is already looking for drivers and technicians for next year's tour. Contact AFE (210-652-6566) if you have any leads. Times such as these remind us how precious life is and what being a family is about.. Let us keep our fellow TIB priors in mind and pull together to help those in need. Let us also remember our military men and women serving their country overseas, particular those in battle. May God Bless America. - T.A.