We Are Family - The TOPS IN BLUE Priors Newsletter

The TOPS IN BLUE Priors Newsletter, Vol. 5, No. 1, January 1998

A Holiday Message to the TIB "Family" from the Director of Air Force Entertainment

As always, Linda and I wish each of you a joyous holiday and the very best for the coming year. Once again, we'd like you to keep all of our fellow Air Force members in mind, especially those in remote and isolated areas around the world, who are away from their families during the holidays. Family is a very important aspect of our lives and we, as Tops In Blue members, can identify with that. Indeed, we are "family." As such, I am very encouraged by the active participation that I see on the Tops In Blue website. The website has truly become the "family's media." I am amazed by the number of people who stop by to post comments on the bulletin board, even if it's just to say 'hello'. From what I have seen, the website and the newsletter have brought our family together again. The web has become a vital link not only for keeping in touch, but also for filling the void that some of us feel and fulfilling our needs.

As with any family, we need each other. Sometimes that need is for support, sometimes it is for being able to share your feelings, and sometimes it is just for someone to talk to. I am deeply touched by the needs and, in turn, the understanding and compassion that is shared on the site-such as when Tobin Faciane and Norm Seawright lost their fathers. Being able to reach out to someone and have him or her understand is so critical at a time like that. And that's what the website is really about. It's there for us to share with and support each other. I have also noticed how people have blossomed on the web. Their interest is renewed, they've become revitalized, re-energized and have gotten involved again. It is amazing the impact that this "coming together" has had on people's lives.

As we head into 1998, I encourage you to continue reaching out to each other, bring even more priors back into the fold, and perpetuate the common bond we share. Let's make our "family ties" stronger than ever.

Happy Holidays! - Tom Edwards

Tops in Blue '97 Remaining Tour Schedule

Here is the remaining portion of the Tops In Blue '97 tour schedule. The TIB cast will be at the Worldwide Talent Contest at Andrews AFB, MD 6-18 January.

Holiday Wishes to Colonel Al Reilly, with Gratitude

The holiday season is a time for remembering family members and friends. What better time to remember an individual who is both - Colonel Al Reilly? If you know your TIB history, you know that Colonel Reilly is the creator of Tops In Blue. He began the program back in 1953, which is the basis for the 45th anniversary, which we will celebrate with the upcoming reunion. Although he has long since retired after a distinguished career in the Air Force, Colonel Reilly has continued to be a strong supporter and friend of the program. He even made a special appearance at the 40th Anniversary Reunion, which was held at Tyndall AFB, Florida in November 1993. Despite the fact that he has been ill recently, he still managed to attend this year's Tops In Blue show at the Air Force Academy. Tom Edwards and I believe that each and every one of us owes a debt of gratitude to Colonel Reilly. Without his foresight and dedication, there would have been no Tops In Blue. In appreciation, we encourage each TIB prior to send Colonel Reilly a card to wish him a happy holiday, and to say "thanks" for the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful experience. Here's his address. (The username and password are the same as those used elsewhere on this site. E-mail bob.morrow@tibpriors.org if you've forgotten them.)

I Really Hate to Ask, But....

If you receive "We Are Family" by mail, you know there are costs associated with printing and mailing the newsletter. Last year I sent renewal forms to some of you. The response was fairly good. In fact, many of you sent extra money, for which I am grateful. However, there are a few folks (you know who you are) who've only paid $2 once (the original fee in '94) and haven't renewed since. I've covered the cost of your subscriptions myself because I know how much you enjoy the newsletter. In all fairness to the others who have renewed, however, I have to ask you to submit your $5.00 renewal fee upon receipt of the next renewal request or else I'll need to remove you from the mailing list. Of course if you prefer to get the newsletter on the web for free, no problem, just drop me a line and let me know. Okay? Thanks! - T.A.

Center Stage: Kevin and Jane McNulty - a "Golden" Duet

Over the years, there have been a number of duets in Tops In Blue, but none have been unique as priors Kevin and Jane McNulty.

Kevin and Jane not only found wedded bliss on tour, but they have the distinction of being TIB's only husband and wife Golden Roger Recipients. Kevin, who toured four times, first became interested in the program after seeing the '79 show. He thought it would be great to be a part of something so special, but never thought he'd have the opportunity.

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Nevertheless, he began competing that year as a vocalist. In 1982, he also competed as a guitarist with an instrumental group and although he was not selected for the tour at Worldwide, he did receive a call during staging to join '82 cast. He then went on to tour again in '84, '85, and '86. Kevin also performed in a TIB's special Air Force/Army Joint Services Show presented for the National Recreation and Parks Association in 1995.

Jane also toured four times and her TIB experience was even more unique-she was called in each time and she got her first call to tour in 1981 while she was still in basic training! She was brought in for an audition while at Lackland, and she was selected for TIB's '81 Music Express, a special "club" show which toured primarily during the winter months. Two years later, she was called in again, to tour with TIB '83. In '84 she won a "Wilco" at Worldwide for her Musical Potpourri act. She wasn't selected for TIB, but once again she was once again called in to tour. Miraculously, in '86, it happened again! Jane was also a cast member in TIB's 1987 Bob Hope Birthday Special, which was filmed at Pope AFB, NC and televised on NBC. She and Kevin also performed in the Super Bowl XIX Halftime Show.

Kevin and Jane met at Worldwide in 1984 and married in December 1986. They say that 1986 was a "magical" year for them-they toured together, they got married, and the both received the Golden Roger. Their fondest memory? The Niagara Falls show in '86. Many of the people at the show remembered them from previous tours and were delighted to hear they were engaged. "The even wanted us to come back there for the wedding and a honeymoon!" Kevin says. "It was a wonderful time, like a romantic love story," Jane recalls. Kevin, who works in Social Actions at Travis AFB, has 18 years in the Air Force and is looking ahead to retirement in a couple of years. Jane left the Air Force in 1991 and along with Kevin, manages JEM Productions, their own entertainment company, which they started the year after they married.

Together, they've produced several prominent shows, including a Fourth of July Show and a Marine Corps Ball in Israel and their own 50th Air Force Anniversary Show, which toured throughout Northern California this year. They've also been working hard to develop new talent for Tops In Blue and encourage people to participate in the program. Jane is also teaching piano and her and Kevin are currently looking to start their own school of performing arts to help individuals hone their skills and learn more about the entertainment industry. "Tom Edwards and Tops In Blue taught us so much," say Kevin and Jane. They say TIB set the standard for everything they work to achieve and has given them experience they rely on everyday. Best of all, they are passing on what they've learned. Kevin and Jane are the proud parents of a beautiful three-year old, Christina, whom they fondly refer to as their "Golden Nugget". And there's another "nugget" on the way in April. Who knows, if their children follow in their footsteps, this family could become "The Golden Quartet".

SPOTLIGHT: Where Are They Now?

Name

Specialty

Tour

Dallas O. Baker

Instrumentalist/ Specialty

Tops In Blue 1975 (Rhythm Of The City)

Present: TIB's very own "Satchmo," Dallas was renowned for his tribute to the great Louis Armstrong. After a 28-year career in the Air Force, Dallas and his wife Nobuko own their own contract sewing company and have been in business for 14 years. They currently reside in Tampa, Florida. Dallas says the Air Force Entertainment Program was one of the high points in his military career and he's looking forward to seeing all of the old family members at the upcoming reunion.

Name

Specialty

Tours

Artie Boughan

Juggler

Tops In Blue 1975 (Rhythm Of The City)


Tops In Blue 1978 ("Star Wars")

Present: "The Juggler Extraordinaire" is out of the Air Force and working as a systems engineer for Lockheed Martin these days. His job involves integrating satellite ground stations for the Air Force. He currently lives in Germany in the Kaiserslautern area with his wife Patsy and his yellow lab, Murphy. Artie still does occasional performances and says he especially enjoys performing for "large groups of crazed 1st and 2nd graders!" And yes, he still catches a Tops In Blue show whenever he can.

Blue Notes

"We Are Family" has a new look for the new year. Expect more new features like "Center Stage." Congrats to Rick Hayden Jr. on his B.S. in Aeronautical Science from Embry- Riddle. Linda Edwards has been a bit under the weather lately, so keep her in your thoughts. The TIB database is now up to 230 members and climbing. By the way, if anyone has any information for the newsletter, please let me know. Happiest of Holidays to Everyone and Have a Great '98! Peace...T.A.