Entertainment galore, Tops in Blue to perform Friday

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Anne Gathua
  • 17th Training Wing/Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AFB, Texas --  Sounds of trumpets, keyboards, guitars, saxophones and drums will merge today, 7 p.m. at the San Angelo City Auditorium as Tops In Blue showcase their talent in a free performance filled with music, fun and dance.

Graced by two of 17th Training Wing finest, Senior Airman Jennifer Nonog, 17th Communications Squadron and Senior Airman Megan Kelly, Presidio of Monterey, Calif, the team will perform for the Goodfellow and San Angelo community.

According to their website, Tops in Blue, is an all-active duty U.S. Air Force special unit made up of talented amateur performers selected for their entertainment abilities. Each year, thousands compete in base talent contests and the most talented move on to higher levels of competition. The result is an elite group composed of 35 of the most talented vocalists, musicians, dancers, comedians, magicians and dramatists worldwide. Known as the Air Forces' Expeditionary Entertainers; the group's main mission is to perform for military personnel and their families throughout the world. The enormous popularity of the group has also made them America's goodwill ambassadors around the globe.

The Airmen, who joined the team in March 2009, are both vocalists and dancers. They also perform other support duties for the team.

"I am having an amazing time," said Airman Nonog. "Of course, it's difficult being on the road for a year, not being able to see our families and spending 20 hours a day with the same people with virtually no break. This though is what brings the team together and make us a family. I've tried to make the best and most of this year and I'll never forget it," she added.

For Airman Kelly, the experience has been rewarding because it has taught her teamwork, time management and helped build her character.

"This experience has really shown me what I'm made of," she added.

To get where they are now, the team went through a rigorous 60 day training period called staging, where they had accelerated vocal, choreography and instrumental training. They were also challenged physically with daily aerobic exercise and calisthenics. The show is built on their individual talents and they work together as a team to perfect it before they hit the road.

Asked about her most memorable moment, Airman Kelly recalled their performance in Camp Taji, Iraq.

"We traveled in complete darkness in Chinook helicopters to get to the camp and proceeded to set up," said the Airman. "When it came time to perform we weren't sure what to expect, but we got such a huge response from the crowd. What surprised me was that they were all Army! I wasn't expecting to see such a positive crowd in Camp Taji coupled with the fact that they were so thankful that we were there. The experience really helped me feel like our team was making a difference. We helped raise morale and that was extremely memorable."

For Airman Nonog, her experience downrange, sitting on a C-17, clothed in Airman Battle Uniform, Kevlar helmet, flak vest, carrying her weapon, made her very proud to be part of the mission and the team.

"Though not glitzy and glamorous, that was one of my most memorable moments," she said. "This is what Tops In Blue is about, reaching out to those who need us most and representing the Air Force to the best of our abilities. We are performers, but we are also Airmen."

Though the daily schedule can be tough and challenging, both Airmen said the team's individual strengths and team work help make a difference.

"Tops In Blue is not for the faint of heart but every day has its own blessings," said Airman Nonog. "For me, it's being able to be on stage with people who share the same passion for performing. It's the life changing experience that comes with being on the road and working harder than I've ever worked in my life. It's the growth that we will each experience when we get to the end."

Looking forward to performing here, Airman Nonog is grateful to those who allowed her the opportunity to take a year out to be part of Tops In Blue.

Airman Kelly said growing as a performer is a major reward, but growing as a person is priceless and she hopes by the end of the tour she can see that growth.