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Tops in Blue performs at Scott AFB

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott T. Sturkol
  • Air Mobility Command Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The Air Force's premier entertainment showcase, Tops in Blue, performed at Scott AFB on Aug. 31 as part of their 2009 world tour -- "To Dream."

According to the group's Web site, Tops in Blue "serves as an expeditionary entertainment unit to provide quality entertainment from within Air Force resources for the Air Force family, with priority to Air Force personnel stationed worldwide at remote and
deployed locations while simultaneously promoting community relations, supporting recruiting efforts and serving as ambassadors for the United States of America and the United States Air Force."

Maj. Al Reilly, now a retired colonel, created the Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest in 1953 to recognize talented Airmen in various categories ranging from comedy, drama, vocals, gospel, vocal and instrumental groups, country and western, and several others, their history shows. His idea was to discover the highest caliber of entertainment and provide it for Air Force families throughout the world, thus the phrase "family entertaining family" was first adopted in the new Air Force talent program. Furthermore, Maj. Reilly knew there were many athletic competitions, there was nothing for those who were not athletic.

"The Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest provided an excellent setting for the up and coming Air Force entertainers to display their talents," the Web site said.

Major Reilly then selected the top talent from the competition and produced a show with a troupe of the best Air Force entertainers which ultimately became known as Tops in Blue. The debut tour traveled on a grueling trek, giving 230 shows in 235 days.

The group's next stop is in California for Air Force Week Sacramento.  To see more about Tops in Blue, visit their Web site at http://www.topsinblue.com.