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Tops in Blue rocks Montana ExpoPark

By Airman 1st Class Katrina Heikkinen, 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs / Published July 06, 2012

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MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Hundreds of Team Malmstrom and Great Falls community members came out to experience the sights and sounds of Tops in Blue, the U.S. Air Force's premier entertainment group at Montana ExpoPark on June 27.

Following a presentation of the colors by Malmstrom Air Force Base's honor guard, Col. H.B. Brual, 341st Missile Wing commander, introduced the group to an anxious crowd and the proud family of Great Falls native, Staff Sgt. Daniel Knight, 21st Medical Operations Squadron health services management craftsmen; Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.; and trombone player for Tops in Blue.

"These 36 Airmen from all over the world, representing 36 bases, are some of the most talented people you'll ever meet," Brual said. "I'd like to take a moment to say thank you from all of our Airmen here for your outstanding support on a day-to-day basis. We certainly could not perform our important mission for our nation without the tremendous support we receive from this wonderful community."

Comprised of talented vocalists, musicians, dancers and technicians, the team's tour for this year is entitled "Listen" and featured an array of vocal and instrumental songs, and a mime dance routine.

Just as the show appealed to the young and old, and gave a taste of popular songs by artists such as Carrie Underwood, Adele, the Doobie Brothers, Earth, Wind and Fire and Michael Jackson, performers consisted of first-term Airmen, officers and senior non-commissioned officers.

For one current Tops in Blue performer, Tech. Sgt. Tonie Marshall, 849th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant; Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.; this year marks her second time as a Tops In Blue performer. Her experience being easier the second time around, she said.

"I already know what to expect; I know the long hours of working and unloading more than 60,000 pounds of equipment and I know that singing is only 10 percent of the job," Marshall said. "But when we get a chance to give the audience a great show, I think it's the best part."

While some prior Tops in Blue performers had the chance to do it all over again, others had the chance to reflect on their experiences as they mentored the new crew.

"Seeing this year's Tops in Blue crew really makes me miss the fulfillment and camaraderie I got out of it, especially when I had the chance to make someone's day better," said Senior Airman Patrick O'Shaughnessy, 12th Missile Squadron missile chef and 2011 Tops in Blue World Tour vocalist.

"For most of the people here, music is their passion," said Senior Airman Ryan Ratkowski, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron member, and 2011 Tops in Blue World Tour musician. "I miss the experience of it all. Even though I remember working 24-hour shifts and nights where I didn't get any sleep, when I do what I love it's easy to put all of my time into it."

Tops in Blue travels around the world performing for Air Force personnel and their families; this is their 13th performance. Their next performance will be at Minot Air Force Base, N.D.

For more information, visit www.topsinblue.com
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