Reunion: It's Time to Walk the Talk

AF Entertainment Needs to Hear from All TIB Priors by June 15th!

It's been said that timing is everything and no one knows that better than Tops In Blue. And for our 45th Anniversary Reunion, timing has become a critical factor. Since the 40th TIB Anniversary at Patrick AFB, FL in 1993, talk of another reunion has been on the lips of many of our priors. And now all of those who have talked "reunion" need to walk "reunion." Air Force Entertainment is making every effort to provide us with a week of first rate fun and enjoyment in San Antonio. But they cannot make it happen without our help. The word has been put out in every conceivable media-the newsletter, the website, phone calls and flyers. But some priors have been slow to respond. In order for AFE to make this event work, it is imperative that they know who's coming and who's not. The information they need is very basic: Are you coming to the reunion? When will you arrive? How long will you stay? Can you participate as part of the steering committee? Do you want to participate in a reunion show? Without this critical information, AFE's job in coordinating the reunion becomes an insurmountable task. What can you do to help?

First of all, let AFE know what your plans are not later than June 15th. If you've received a flyer, e-mail, or phone call, respond immediately with the appropriate information- even if you can't attend. Secondly, spread the word to anyone who might not have heard about the reunion. Currently, I have nearly 300 people in the TIB database, almost 200 of which are on-line. But in 45 years, we've probably had nearly 1000 cast members, which means there are some 700 or so who may not have gotten the word. Some of us talk to these people all the time. Maybe they've been meaning to tap into the website and maybe they haven't. Or maybe they've meant to subscribe to the newsletter, but didn't get around to it. We need to get the information out to them any way we can. Call them, e-mail them, write to them, do whatever you can to let them know about the reunion, and do it with a sense of urgency. Remember time is of the essence! After all, these are our family members and this is a family reunion.

Finally, if you can help with the coordination process, let AFE know. As the Chief would say, it's time to "step up to the mic!" Keep in mind that Tom and his staff are also in the midst of staging for TIB '98 and so they can use all the help they can get to keep the reunion on track. Some priors have already stepped up; James Green and Percy Lewis have come on board to help coordinate the reunion. But even they can't do this alone. So, if you can lend a hand, please do. We're Tops In Blue, and by our very nature, we know that it takes a total effort on our part to make things come together. Otherwise, we'd have had "roadies" to set up and tear down all that equipment for us while we were on tour and all we'd have had to do was show up and perform. But you and I both know better. It wasn't like that then and it isn't like that now. This is our reunion, let's make it one to remember. You can call the TIB Production Center, which is "Reunion Central" at DSN 473-3702 (Commercial 210-671-3702) or you can call AFE at DSN 487-6566 (Commercial 210-652-6566). Or, mail the information to AF Entertainment, 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 403, San Antonio, TX 78216. Info regarding schedule of events, etc. will be sent out shortly to those attending.

Tops in Blue 1998: It's "Red, White, Rhythm and Blue"

The cast of Tops In Blue 1998 is hard at work at the TIB Production Center at Lackland Air Force Base staging what may be one of the most unique Tops In Blue shows ever. Entitled "Red, White, Rhythm and Blue," this year's show will be a non-stop anthology of American Music featuring a wide spectrum of styles from Ragtime to Motown, Jazz to Pop, and Blues to Country. The World Premiere for this year's tour is slated for July 4th at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio and will serve as a kick-off for the 45th Anniversary Tops In Blue Reunion. The tour itinerary will be released shortly and will be made available on the TIB website as well as in the next newsletter along with additional show information.

AF Entertainment Office Bids Farewell to Dave Sullivan

Air Force Entertainment bids farewell to a mainstay of its staff as SMSgt (Ret.) Dave Sullivan departs after completing his second stint at AFE. Dave originally joined the AFE Staff as a MSgt in 1984, serving as TIB Tour Director. He was awarded the prestigious Golden Roger Award in 1988. From AFE, he PCS'd to MacDill AFB, FL, where he served until his retirement from the Air Force. In 1996, Dave returned to AFE, as a civilian and served as Logistics Coordinator. He now departs for Sebowang AB, Singapore, where he will take over as Services Director. Best Wishes and God's speed to you and your family "Sully!"

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What Does it Mean to Be Tops in Blue? - Mac Can Tell You

(Editor's note: During the 1998 Worldwide Talent Contest held at Andrews AFB, MD in January, several TIB Priors presented emotion-filled stories about what Tops In Blue means to them. The following story was presented by Gerald "Mac" McMillian, TIB 88, 89.)

"When I tell people that I drove the bus for Tops In Blue, sometimes they laugh. For a while, it bothered me. Until one day, my commander called me into his office and asked me to go to see a guy who was in lock-up awaiting disciplinary action. I asked 'why me?' My commander said the guy was on a suicide watch and he thought I could help. So I went to see the guy and found out that the disciplinary action he was facing was quite severe. And yes, he was depressed... that is until he saw my TIB ring. His face lit up, because this guy was a prior. We talked about our different experiences on the road. And he said that he felt he had embarrassed the program. I told him that I would come back and see him again."

"When I did go back, I managed to bring a little wine and my goblet, and we drank from it. I let him know that he was still family and that I will always be here for him. After that, he said he could now face his sentence because he truly felt that someone cared for him. It was then that I really knew what it meant to be Tops In Blue.

I have never sang a tune or played a note. The girls never asked me for my autograph. But, I got 'em there, through snowstorms, bad brakes, and broken windshield wipers. We were never late for a show or missed a performance. I'm proud to be a part of something so special."

"My name is Mac...and I'm the bus driver."

Spotlight - Where Are They Now?

Present: Yes, you read it right-Tops In Blue '56. Roy was guitarist and vocalist in the tour's country/western group. These days, Roy makes his home in Blue Springs, Mississippi, where he can be found playing at a local seafood and steakhouse and for civic clubs and churches. He works as a systems technician with Tel-Tech Inc. Roy is married and has three daughters and nine grandchildren.

Present: Lady Laura is now married and enjoying life as a vocalist with the Band of the Air Force Reserves at Robins AFB, GA. She also stays busy in the local blues and Southern rock scene and she's learning to play the guitar. When she's not singing, she's out and about working part time as Mary Kay beauty consultant. She and her husband live on base with their Australian shepherds and cat.

Present: Janice was a cast member on TIB II in '79, the first winter club show tour. Following the tour she was a vocalist with the Air Force Band of the Golden Gate from 1980 to 1985, where she met her husband of 14 years, Thomas. The couple have a beautiful and talented daughter. Janice says she's living a happy and productive life and has been truly blessed. She's still thankful for the opportunity to have been part of TIB!

Blue Notes

TIB Prior Maurice Standifer has cut a hot CD that is entitled "Sensual Woman" Congrats Mo!... AFE is looking for both an Audio Engineer and a Driver for this year's tour. If you know someone who's qualified, contact AFE at 210-652-6566. Best Wishes to Gary Smith as he heads off to Ramstein AB, GE. That's it for now. Hope to see you at the Reunion!

In Memoriam: Kevin Watt - Our Brother... Forever Blue

It is with deep regret that we acknowledge the loss of one of our Tops In Blue family members. Kevin R. Watt, who toured with Tops In Blue 1994, passed away recently in Korea. He will be sorely missed. Let our prayers and heartfelt thoughts be with his family.