STARS SHINE AT WWTC 2001

New Talent, Priors, and TIB 2000 Highlight the Contest at the "Home of Tops In Blue"

The 48th Annual Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest was held at "The Home of Tops In Blue," Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas February 11-19. This year's contest was marked by the emergence of a great deal of new talent, as sixty-six contestants from bases around the world competed for a Roger and a chance to be selected for Tops In Blue 2001.

As in previous years, TIB Priors played a large part, not only in the success of the contest, but also in the growth and development of the performers themselves. With Priors serving as Team Leaders, the contestants' acts were honed to perfection and the result was three nights of top-notch entertainment for standing room only crowds at the Bob Hope Performing Arts Center. Likewise, Priors contributed immensely in staff positions, as part of the technical crew, as members of the band, and as judges. Kudos go out to all for a job well done!

This year's contestants delighted the audience with a variety of acts, with music styles ranging from alternative rock to gospel and everything in between. And much to my personal delight there was even a comedian!

After three great nights of entertainment, the contest was capped off by a superb Awards Banquet. The cast of Tops In Blue 2000, who had also served in a variety of support capacities during the contest, dazzled the contestants and guests with three electrifying performances during the evening. And finally, as everyone waited with great anticipation, Tom Edwards announced the winners:

Male Vocalist

1st Place: A1C Vince Jason Remo - "Find 100 Ways" - Bolling AFB, D.C.
2nd Place: Maj Ivan Thompson - "God Bless the USA" - The Pentagon, D.C.

Female Vocalist

1st Place: A1C Regina Coonrod - "A House is Not Home"- Andrews AFB, MD
2nd Place: 2Lt Joni Grunewald - "Something To Talk About" - Eielson AFB, AK

Specialty

1st Place: SrA John Williams - Dancer - Hurlburt Field, FL
2nd Place: A1C Natalia Maldonado - Dancer - Beale AFB, CA

Instrumental

1st Place: A1C Alberto Ramirez - Drums - Altus AFB, OK
2nd Place: SrA John Cappuccio - Saxophone - McConnell AFB, KS

Best of Show

A1C Regina Coonrod

TOPS IN BLUE 2001 CAST

As a result of the 2001 Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest, these individuals have been selected as the cast of Tops In Blue 2001.

CAROL SUDY RECOGNIZED AT THE 33rd RECIPIENT OF THE GOLDEN ROGER

She has spent so much time behind the scenes some people might not know her name. The results of her priceless contributions to Tops in Blue and the Air Force Entertainment program, however, have been easily recognizable over the past 22 years. And it was those contributions and her dedication to the program that Tom Edwards proudly cited as he honored Ms. Carol Sudy as the 33rd recipient of the prestigious Golden Roger Award.

Perhaps few of those participating in the program today know it, but Carol's involvement with Air Force talent began in 1979 when she was the Community Center director at Edwards AFB in California. She later moved on to a similar position at Torrejon AB, Spain, where she not only directed base level contests, but was also actively involved in Mediterranean Region Contests, which at that time were a stepping stone to reaching the USAFE command level competition and ultimately Worldwide.

In 1983, she moved on to Ramstein AB, Germany and for the next 10 years, assisted in coordinating the European leg of the annual Tops in Blue tour, as well as hosting tour staging at Ramstein. She was also brought in to work on staff at several Worldwide Talent Contests.

In January 1997, Mr. Edwards hired her as a permanent member of the Air Force Entertainment staff in the position of Entertainment Specialist. Today, in that capacity, she is responsible for coordinating the entire Tops in Blue tour each year, as well as handling all of the advertising and marketing of the program. And she also helps out from time to time with creative ideas for set designs. In addition, she is also one of the primary coordinators of the annual Worldwide Talent Contest.

In all, Carol has given over 20 years of support and devotion to the program. She is a prime example of what "earning" the Golden Roger is all about. Congratulations Carol Sudy, your award is richly deserved!

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KUDOS TO TOPS IN BLUE 2000 - A GREAT TOUR AND SIX "SUPER PERFORMANCES"

Tops In Blue 2000 made their mark on the history books with a truly great tour. They received rave reviews from around the world for their stellar shows. They also turned six "Super" performances. Those were the six shows they performed in Tampa, Florida as part of the Super Bowl week festivities. Here is what Tom Edwards had to say: "We performed six shows during the week, which allowed TIB to take another positive step into its future. The 2000 team ended up with over three hours of music in their repertoire. Most teams could never have accomplished what they did!!

"The group was personally thanked by the Chief of Staff (who was there for four of the shows), the AETC 4-star general, the AMC 4-star general, and 1- and 2- stars too numerous to mention. It was a great experience. We used more equipment than we have ever used... three tractor-trailers and a C-141 to get it all there... and I can honestly say... everyone seeing the group was in total awe of each and every performance. Even Rush Limbaugh sent an e-mail indicating how great it was!"

To TIB 2000, on behalf of priors everywhere, thanks for doing us proud!

(Webmaster's note: My apologies for sending what turned out to be a false alarm regarding TIB's possible performance in the Ricky Martin Special. I got the note Friday around 8pm (12 hours before the special started) and was unable to verify the information.)

Where Are They Now?

Present: Multi-talented Skip Greene not only played keyboards for Tops In Blue, but also sang and provided comic relief. Currently, Skip lives in Southfield, Michigan and has been working for the state of Michigan for the last 21 years. He's married and has three daughters and three grandchildren. He is still performing, but now as mobile disc jockey "Skip The Lip" in the Detroit area. He's also singing quite a bit and will soon finish his first CD.

Present: These days, you'll find Scott in Knoxville, TN. He separated from the military and is now working at Nova Information Systems. Scott got married last year in May and his lovely wife's name is Amanda. And he's still entertaining! He's currently the lead guitarist for "Crave," a band based in Tennessee.

Present: Daniel was a technician on Tops In Blue 1991, which had the monumental task of touring in the midst of the Gulf War. Daniel is now out of the military and living in Chicago, Illinois. He's married to a wonderful lady and actress named Tina. Daniel is currently the manager for the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, and he still does some tech work on the side.

Blue Notes

Air Force Entertainment (AFE) is looking for horn players for this year's tour as well as drivers and an audio technician. If you've "got skills" or have a lead, contact Carol Sudy at AFE (210) 652-6566.  

In May, yours truly will have the pleasure of sharing the stage with TIB '78 Prior Stephanie Hancock, who's performing in concert in Colorado May 18th. Steph's CD, "This Happy Madness" has been a big seller on Amazon.com.

I heard from two more "missing" priors this month - Brian Madison ('78) and Sage Randall ('81)... Also back in the mix are Doug Jordan ('86) and David "Lawman" Lawson ('85, '86, 88). It's good to have them back in the fold!

Kahlil Walton could use help from priors as his America's Youth Ambassadors for the Performing Arts concept materializes. He needs people to volunteer some time on the phone contacting local performing arts teachers at high schools in their communities to help generate awareness of the upcoming talent competition. Basically, it's a kid's version of Worldwide and TIB, all non-profit. If you can help, contact Kahlil. Ciao!..T.A.