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Tops in Blue visit Team McGuire

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bekah Phy
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Tops In Blue, along with McGuire's own Airman 1st Class Alice Lewis, 621st Contingency Response Wing and Tops in Blue vocalist, stopped by McGuire for the annual Tops in Blue show Oct. 9 in 3-Bay Hangar. McGuire was one of more than 120 stops on the team's approximately yearlong tour.

This year's show, "Déjà Blue", featured a variety of songs from movies -- from "Beauty and the Beast" to "Men and Black" -- along with other hits, which provided entertainment for all ages.

"Tops in Blue's ability to involve the audience makes its show extremely entertaining - the crowd was riveted to the performances," said Dan Cosgrove, 305th Services Squadron Community Center director.

The performers included vocalists, instrumentalists - guitar, piano, drums, and more - and even a comedian. All performers also danced throughout the show.

"It's hard not to be impressed by the performers," Mr. Cosgrove said. "It's a source of pride to watch these individuals and realize they're a part of the same organization you are. Beyond their amazing talent, they're great ambassadors for the Air Force and their appreciation for the audience is genuine."

A lot of behind-the-scenes work goes on before and after the Tops in Blue performances. With labor-intensive sets, the Tops in Blue team and many volunteers have to work together to complete the job.

"The Tops in Blue event requires cooperation across the base more than any other 305th SVS activity," Mr. Cosgrove said. "A massive amount of support was received from outside agencies - from the 305th Aerial Port Squadron moving Tops in Blue pallets to the extensive vehicle support provided by the 305th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

"The 305th Security Forces Squadron took the lead on parking and traffic control and event-site support was provided by the 305th Maintenance Squadron, 305th Operations Support Squadron and 305th Civil Engineer Squadron," Mr. Cosgrove said. "A thank you is also due to the more than 40 volunteers and McGuire's Honor Guard who helped and wing leadership for the support. Many agencies had a role in helping Tops in Blue complete its mission."

Celebrating more than 55 years of entertainment history, Tops in Blue represents the U.S. Air Force as one of the oldest and most widely traveled entertainment groups of its kind. 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. The main purpose of the Tops in Blue team is to perform for military personnel and their families throughout the world.