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Tops in Blue dazzles Andersen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Alexa Ann Henderson
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
Tops in Blue, a touring performance ensemble made up of active-duty United States Air Force Airmen, performed Aug. 1 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

The show included current popular songs and a hit song from each decade ranging from 1910 to 1990. Also targeting the younger members in the audience, the ensemble performed hit songs from Disney's "Hercules" with superheroes to give the show a heroic theme.

"It was my first show and it was terrific," said audience member Airman 1st Class Sebastian Cruz, 36th Medical Operations Squadron. "It was done really well and it was very organized; I would definitely go to another show."

The Tops in Blue group members said they enjoyed performing for Team Andersen and their families.

"To see the lives we are touching, to see all these people smiling back at us is just the most amazing feeling," said 1st Lt. Lauren Rogers, Tops in Blue vocalist and operations officer. "Performing here at Andersen was awesome. It was an incredible opportunity and it was just a great crowd. We had a lot of fun."

While all eyes were on the Tops in Blue performers, multiple Andersen AFB groups came together behind the scenes to make the event possible.

Master Sgt. Joshua Willson, 36th Force Support Squadron fitness center section chief and the Tops in Blue performance project manager, said it was a group effort to get the Coral Reef Fitness Center ready for the big show.

"It was nice to see all of these different groups come together to get everything ready," he said.

The 36th Logistics Readiness Squadron Airmen arranged the transportation so Tops in Blue could get their gear here, 36th Civil Engineer Squadron crews ensured all of the electrical was working and ready to go for the show, and 36th Security Forces teams made sure that the show was safe and secure, while the 36th Force Support Squadron prepared the gym for the crowd and performers and verified everything was ready to go for the performance.

Tops in Blue originated from a talent contest held in 1953 by Maj. Al Reilly. He selected the top performers to create an all-military entertainment troupe to tour all Air Force bases so "family could entertain family." The troupe promoted diversity and amusement for Airmen of all ages.