A Special Message from the Director of Tops in Blue and Air Force Entertainment

As you may know, the past year has been rather difficult for me, healthwise. However, I'm looking forward to a much healthier 1996. Meanwhile, at Air Force Entertainment, we've recently seen a major change in the top leadership at the AF Services Headquarters. Our new leaders have made readiness their top priority. With that in mind, we must continue to emphasize the contribution that Tops In Blue makes each year to military readiness, in terms of esprit de corps and morale building for our Air Force men and women, and their families. This particularly brings to mind those individuals stationed at all of our isolated locations, such as the mountain tops of Korea, the frozen frontiers of Alaska, or the desert of Saudi Arabia. It's important that we remember them, especially this time of year when they are so far from home. And let's not forget those gallant men and women who are now in Bosnia. Let us also remember that it is for these men and women that Tops In Blue exists. Linda and I both wish you a very prosperous New Year.

Tom Edwards

1996 Air Force Talent Contest Dates, Location Set

Combined Region Event Scheduled to Be Held February 2-9 at Andrews AFB, MD

Air Force Entertainment has announced that the 1996 AF Talent Contest has been scheduled for February 2-9 at Andrews AFB, MD. This year's contest will be similar in format to the two regional events held last year, with one exception, it will be a single event featuring acts from all of the regions. The contest rules will be the same as last year. Acts are selected to attend and compete at the Air Force contest based on video submissions. At the contest, individuals will be judged on their performance, interviews and auditions by panels of judges. The overall contest winners will be determined by their total combined scores. Those winners will comprise the cast of Tops In Blue 1996. Help is always needed, so if you can assist with this year's contest, call Air Force Entertainment at 210-652-6566 as soon as possible.

Tops in Blue Is Now Online! Web Site Is Up and Running

In the last issue, I reported Tops In Blue prior Bob Morrow was working on a Tops In Blue site for the Internet. Well, the site is now operational and it's easy to access. All you have to do is log onto the World Wide Web and contact the address http://www.tibpriors.org/. The site includes What is Tops In Blue?, "Tribute to Tops In Blue", and a dedicated place for Tops In Blue priors to sign in. So, if you've got access to the Internet, jump on it and check out the Tops In Blue site!

Upcoming Tops In Blue '95 Tour Schedule

Here are the remaining dates for Tops In Blue '95.

The Class of '95

The following is a list of Tops In Blue Priors who signed on to this newsletter during 1995:

Welcome aboard! And to our previous signees, thanks for your hard work in helping me find our Tops In Blue priors. Here's hoping we'll find even more in '96!

(Go to the top of the next column.)

SPOTLIGHT: Where Are They Now?....

Present: Otis is currently a civilian, living in Merced, California these days. He's working in Modesto as a Golf Professional. Although he spends quite a bit of time on the course as an instructor, "O" still finds time to continue performing. He's performed in several community plays including "The Wiz" and "Once On This Island". Otis has also started working on a comedy career on the side. With his versatility and sense of humor he should do well.

Present: A multi-talented performer with Tops In Blue's unique Music Express, Rene retired from the Air Force in June '95. He and his wife have two children, a girl (11) and a boy (9), and they currently reside in San Jose, California. Rene is now working as a contractor and is the Chief of Supply at Onizuka AFB in Sunnyvale, California, and says "I can't get away from the Air Force, even in retirement!" However, he says it's also a great job.

Present: With five tours under his belt, Percy is retired from the Air Force. These days he's attending school and being a busy dad to his new family. Percy is also still active in the entertainment business and is becoming a well- known name in San Antonio, Texas where he now resides. His credits include an appearance at the prestigious Newport Jazz Festival in 1995 and opening for several top acts.

Blue Notes

Well, yet another year has come and gone. Thanks for your cards during the holiday season, I hope you had great holidays as well. By the time you receive this edition, I should be back from doing a New Year's Eve show in Germany. Ed Knox booked it for me. He's doing quite well in Europe and recently was contracted to entertain our troops in Saudi Arabia. Don't forget the 1996 AF Talent Contest in February at Andrews. I'll be there helping Tom and I hope to see some of you there. Also, I'm working with Bob Morrow to put the newsletter on the Tops In Blue web site. I'll keep you posted.

Backstage

The next edition will be in March and will include coverage of the 1996 Talent Contest results as well as a wrap up on the '95 Tops In Blue tour. And of course, more spotlights on our Tops In Blue Priors and other good stuff. Best wishes for a great '96, see you next issue!