Tops in Blues wows Goodfellow Airmen and community

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tong Duong
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The vocalist belts out his notes as the guitar rife and drum bass resonates throughout the packed room of the San Angelo City Auditorium March 12, but this is not your usual rock or country performance.

The Air Force Tops in Blue rolled into town Friday afternoon and before the brakes on their vehicles had a chance to cool off, the 33 member group started to unpack and set up the stage for the night's show.

"We are our own roadie," said Air Force First Sgt. Herbert Ancog, male vocalist, with a grin.

Having toured close to a year and performed close to 150 shows in 20 different countries to include Germany, England, Greenland and Japan, the sergeant noted on average, it takes them two and a half to three hours to unload and set up.

"When we show up at a venue, all members pitch in to set up and then we rehearse to make sure everything is working. After this performance, the group will break down the equipment and head for our final show tomorrow at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas," Sergeant Ancog said.

The San Angelo tour was considered a travel show day. The group performed the day prior in Laughlin, AFB in southern Texas before packing up and driving here to start the process again.

"It's physically and mentally demanding, almost like a test to see how much one can handle. It can get pretty tough for those who have families...but for those who have talent it is a good experience," said the father of two.

According to the project officer for the Tops and Blue San Angelo tour, Mr. Cravin Ham, 17th Force Support Squadron Event Center director, more than 1,300 Goodfellow Airmen and the community attended the show.

"Everyone I spoke to after the show told me it was great, and I spoke to a lot of people," Mr. Ham said. "From base dignitaries to civilians, some have been coming to these shows for many years and they agree this was one of the best."

For one faithful attendee and her family, their support for the Air Force Entertainment group span more than two decades.

"My husband is retired Army and we've been to 20 to 25 Tops and Blue shows and have never been disappointed," said Trudy Bryan, a show attendee. "We try to make it to each one and so do my six children, some of who are in the military."