To the Tops in Blue Family:
a Very Special New Year's Message from Tom Edwards

As we look ahead to 1997, Linda and I wish each member of our Tops In Blue family the very best for the coming year and hope that it will be a prosperous one for you. I would also like to ask something special of each of you, as you reflect upon new year. As members of the Tops In Blue family, we have all been a part of something very unique. We each have shared experiences and memories that will last a lifetime, and to be sure, we are proud of being Tops In Blue. In maintaining that pride, however, we should not forget what being Tops In Blue means. Being Tops In Blue has always been about "stepping up" and doing whatever was needed to get the job done. Today, as priors, we are still part of the Tops In Blue family, still part of that tradition. As such, that commitment should still remain.

As you may or may not know, the Air Force, like other government agencies, has been going through a period of downsizing. Budgetary cutbacks have affected every Air Force program, from health care to maintenance. Needless to say, Tops In Blue has not been immune from these reductions. The vast changes in the Worldwide Talent Contest are indicative of the effect such reductions have had on the talent program. Despite the cuts and changes, Tops In Blue continues to face the scrutiny of a very cost-conscious military leadership, one which asks: "Is this program worth the money?"

This is a very critical time for Tops In Blue. We at Air Force Entertainment can only do so much to ensure that the quality of the show is not diminished and that ultimately, the program continues. And so, we need your help. There's a lot you can do. You can start by taking an active role in your local base's talent program. Get involved with your base's community center. If they have a program, help to keep it going. If they don't have one, help them build one. Volunteer to help with base level contests or the establishment of local talent groups. Talk to the people around you, tell them about Tops In Blue. Remember, you have a wealth of knowledge and experience that you can share with others. Encourage people to participate! And help them to succeed. Having been a part of the program, you know what Tops In Blue is looking for. If you come across a talented individual, pick up the phone and call Air Force Entertainment and tell them about the person. You could be the one that helps puts them in next year's show! Keep in mind, the biggest need for Tops In Blue right now is quality people. And if the program doesn't get enough quality people the program may well cease to exist!

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Being Tops In Blue has always been about "stepping up" and doing whatever was needed to get the job done.

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Think about that - What would it mean for you to be a prior, if there were no program for you to be a prior of? Could you bear having to say: "I used to be in this great program called Tops In Blue, but it doesn't exist anymore?" One thing we all need to remember and that is that being a prior has more responsibility than just "being a prior." Being a prior is more than just showing up with your goblet and your ring and your jacket when the tour comes to your base or a base near you. Being a prior is not about "being," it's about doing. I do realize that there are many of you are out there who are very actively involved in the program at the local level. I know you've been promoting the program and encouraging people. And at those bases where you have been involved, the impact has been tremendous. Indeed, we hear about all you've done from those who make it to the Worldwide contest. But, we still need many more of you to get involved. It's more than just a matter of commitment to Tops In Blue, the bottom line here is that "your" program is calling - it desperately needs your help!!! Now is the time for you to give something back. I truly hope each of you will keep this in mind throughout 1997 and that you will find a way to contribute, at a time when even the smallest contribution will help. Thank you in advance. I wish you the very best in all of your endeavors.

The Family Loses a Proud Warrior - Jim Harrington

Former Marine was a legendary supporter of the program and Golden Roger Recipient

Our family has lost a proud warrior - Jim Harrington, USMC Ret - who passed away on September 8, 1996. Jim's involvement with the AF Talent Program was legendary. His contributions were many and his devotion was unwavering. His timeless and tireless efforts merited him AF Entertainment's highest honor - the Golden Roger - which he was awarded in 1987. Although he had been a Marine and served "the Corps" well in a highly decorated military career, Jim's legacy within the TIB family was born through his dedicated efforts in the Air Force Systems Command (AFSC) talent program. In addition to his work at the command level. Jim was an integral part of the Worldwide Talent Contest. Serving as Command Supervisor for the AFSC talent team, he always brought a highly talented and spirited group of performers to the contest.

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He was beloved not only by the contestants, but by his peers alike. He was always an active participant and was more than willing to fight for what he believed was best for the program. He leaves behind a loving wife, Marion, family and friends. And he leaves behind another "family," one that is grateful for having known the pleasure of his company. The proud warrior will be missed.

AFE Announces TIB '96 Tour Itinerary Change

Air Force Entertainment regrets that due to airlift constraints, base requirements, and the mandated scheduling of the 1997 Worldwide Talent Contest in January, this year's show will be unable to perform at every stateside base. Bases in California are particularly affected. It should be remembered, however, that the main purpose of Tops In Blue is to provide entertainment for the Air Force family, particularly in remote and isolated areas where our military personnel have little access to any other form of entertainment. AFE has assured those bases that have been affected by the schedule change that the tour will return to their bases next year. The remaining tour schedule is here.

Spotlight: Where Are They Now?...

Stormin' Norman, as he's known, is currently a full time nursing student at the University of Texas-Houston, School of Nursing. He's working on his Bachelor of Science degree and is scheduled to graduate in May 1997. Norman is no longer on active duty, but he is an Air Force Reservist, based at Kelly AFB in San Antonio. Once a month he makes the trek from his home in Houston to S.A. for reserve duty and following his graduation, he plans to get a commission as a 2LT AF Reserve Nurse. Norman's married to the lovely Kadena and they have a daughter, Karena, who is nine.

These days, Mark is stationed at Altus AFB, Oklahoma where he works as a C-141 Crew Chief. He is also still involved in the entertainment business. He plays in a country band and performs in various local area talent shows in the Altus area. He's planning to release a demo tape very soon and is also playing regularly at church on Sunday evenings. When he's not "thumpin'" bass, he's working out at the gym.

"Mambo" now lives in Sacramento, California and he works as a correctional officer at the Folsom (CA) Correctional Facility. In addition, he is a part-time freight handler at Consolidated Freightways in Sacramento. Now a reservist, he does a monthly stint at McClellan AFB as a Supply Technician. He's been busy on the entertainment front as well. He had a small role in "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," he's pursuing a lifelong dream of lyric and poem writing, and of course, he's still playing saxophone and looking to do some studio work. Married for 12 years, he has a son and daughter.

Blue Notes

Wedding bells galore! Tami Muth is now Tami LaMar, having married TIB prior Darryl LaMar, and the two have a new baby boy, Tre Donavan! Meanwhile, Sebrina Norton is now Sebrina Morris, having married TIB prior Kenneth Morris in a lavish ceremony in Dallas, Texas in September. And TIB priors Melissa Schoener and James Mitchell are scheduled to tie the proverbial knot sometime this spring! Congrats to all! 10 members from the '54 show gathered in Colorado Springs and celebrated their 42nd anniversary with none other than Col. Al Reilly himself. In attendance were: Doris Johnson, Roy Bolla, Ernie Plude, Bill McTeer, Peter Dopudja, Keith Anderson, Jim Biefuss, Keith Fisher, Dave Hunter and Dugal Peck. Now that's a historic cast! Special prayers go out to Jesse Davis and his family. Jesse's 12 year old stepdaughter is battling leukemia. Even as he faces this difficult period, Jesse sends best wishes and good luck to all at WWTC '97. May God bless you, Jesse. Thinking of going to the TIB banquet next time a base in your area hosts the show? How about calling the base in advance? Most bases only plan for a certain number of attendees and when you show up unexpectedly, it causes a hardship, which reflects badly on the program. We're priors, not prima donnas, so give the base a call and ask if you can attend. Tom still needs historic songs, stories and ideas for the AF 50th Anniversary TIB Show. Have any? Call (210) 652-6566, (DSN 487-6566) or write to AF Entertainment, 10100 Reunion Place, Suite #403, San Antonio, TX 78216. Peace out.... T.A.