Tops in Blue inspires, entertains Altus community

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Clinton Atkins
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  The Tops in Blue 2009 "To Dream" Tour dazzled a full house of spectators at the Altus Auditorium in downtown Altus, Aug. 9.

Hundreds of fans from Altus Air Force Base and the local communities went to hear the message of the Air Force's premiere entertainment group. Through a gamut of music genres, dance and some humor, Tops in Blue showed the crowd that dreams do come true.

"We try each year to carry a theme through the show and, if possible, to inspire our audiences," said Tom Edwards, chief of Air Force Entertainment and Tops in Blue director.

If someone in the crowd has a dream they are hesitant to pursue Tops in Blue is here to remind them dreams really do come true, he said.

The rigors of Tops in Blue's daily routine may seem daunting - the 35-member crew is responsible for setting up and tearing down about 65,000 pounds of equipment for each show - though viewers would not be able to tell from the performance they give.

"Each one of us doesn't only sing, dance or play an instrument," said Tops in Blue vocalist Staff Sgt. Robert Kalert, a pest management craftsman from the 20th Civil Engineering Squadron at Shaw AFB, S.C. "Not only am I a vocalist I'm also a loadmaster on the trucks, I'm also in charge of pallets and I'm the lighting crew chief.

After his first tour with Tops in Blue in 2006, Sergeant Kalert loved the job so much that he came back for a second tour. Each tour is a year-long temporary duty.

"To see the audience enjoy our performance makes all of the hard work we put into it worthwhile," he said. "I get to perform for a different audience every day around the world. It's a good feeling and there's nothing like it."

As Tops in Blue moves on the Barksdale AFB, La., their inspiring performance has made an everlasting impression on their fans.

"If you have never had the opportunity to experience Tops in Blue, you are missing out," said Chief Master Sgt. Eric Molloy, 97th Air Mobility Wing command chief. "They have never disappointed us. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and were especially happy to share it with our civic partners. I am always amazed at the talent and enthusiasm our Airmen display when they perform.

"It just goes to show, everyone's dreams are obtainable if you take the time to try," he said.