2010 Tops in Blue

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Tops in Blue performers begin their show for the Barksdale community here, during the Tops in Blue concert at Hoban Hall June 15. The 2010 tour entitled, "We Believe" featured several rhythm and blues artist covers, swing by Michael Buble, hits by Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas and others. Every year, Tops in Blue travels throughout the United States and to more than 25 countries to enhance morale among military personnel and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Amber Ashcraft) (RELEASED)

2010 Tops in Blue

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Tops in Blue performers dance to several beat-boxed hits by Michael Jackson during the Tops in Blue concert at Hoban Hall June 15. The 2010 tour entitled, "We Believe" featured several rhythm and blues artist covers, swing by Michael Buble, hits by Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas and others. Every year, Tops in Blue travels throughout the United States and to more than 25 countries to enhance morale among military personnel and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Amber Ashcraft) (RELEASED)

2010 Tops in Blue

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- An Air Force Tops in Blue performer poses as Lady Gaga during a rendition of her song during the Tops in Blue concert at Hoban Hall June 15. The 2010 tour entitled, "We Believe" featured several rhythm and blues artist covers, swing by Michael Buble, hits by Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas and others. Every year, Tops in Blue travels throughout the United States and to more than 25 countries to enhance morale among military personnel and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Amber Ashcraft) (RELEASED)

2010 Tops in Blue

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Tops in Blue performers pose as photographers during a rendition of Lady Gaga's hit song "Paparazzi" during the Tops in Blue concert at Hoban Hall June 15. The 2010 tour entitled, "We Believe" featured several rhythm and blues artist covers, swing by Michael Buble, hits by Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas and others. Every year, Tops in Blue travels throughout the United States and to more than 25 countries to enhance morale among military personnel and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Amber Ashcraft) (RELEASED)

2010 Tops in Blue

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Tops in Blue perform their last song of the evening dedicated to military families during the Tops in Blue concert at Hoban Hall June 15. The 2010 tour entitled, "We Believe" featured several rhythm and blues artist covers, swing by Michael Buble, hits by Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas and others. Every year, Tops in Blue travels throughout the United States and to more than 25 countries to enhance morale among military personnel and their families. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Amber Ashcraft) (RELEASED)

Tops in Blue dream come true for Barksdale Airmen

Published June 17, 2010
By Senior Airman Alyssa Wallace
2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- More than 30 Tops in Blue Airmen performed June 15 at Hoban Hall during the group's first show of the year.

For Staff Sgt. Chonte Walker, 2d Civil Engineer Squadron, and Airman 1st Class Megan Harvey, 2d Maintenance Squadron, the first show of the season was particularly special as they performed at home for their family and friends.

The duo has been practicing with their peers since March -- at times for more than 20 consecutive hours -- and felt they have to perform the best show possible for Barksdale.

"I told the team they had to bring their 'A Game' because they're not about to have us looking crazy at Barksdale," Airman Harvey said. "I want to put on a great show for my Barksdale folks. I'm just really excited because our friends and church family are here, and I've lost close to 25 pounds in staging, so I'm looking forward to seeing their reactions to my accomplishment. People who know me know I'm a performer - they're not going to be shocked to see me performing, but they'll be very proud of the progress I've made."

The Tops in Blue mission is to serve 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.

This will be Airman Harvey's first tour with Tops in Blue, a dream she's had since first enlisting in the Air Force.

"The very first time I saw Tops in Blue, I was in the First Term Airman Course here at Barksdale - we helped set up and tear down the stage," she said. "When I heard they were coming, I got excited. I was like a sponge -- everywhere they were I was there asking questions."

Immediately after speaking to a female performer, Airman Harvey knew she wanted to audition.

"Before I'd even seen the show, I knew it was something I wanted to do," Airman Harvey explained. "And that experience happened here at Barksdale, and now that I'm in this position ... I just hope I can be that person for someone else."

According to its Web site, Tops in Blue has traveled more than four million miles to military bases throughout the world, performed at six World Fairs, over 100 state fairs and festivals, and performed at countless air shows, military balls and special events. Sergeant Walker is familiar with the traveling that comes with the job, as she was previously selected to perform with the group in 2007 during its 60th anniversary.

"When I got selected the first time, I was in the desert with orders to come to Barksdale," said Sergeant Walker. "My commander here approved my Tops in Blue selection without even knowing me. I was really grateful for that. I already knew when I came back from that tour that these people had gone out on a limb for me, and that I would have to show what kind of Airman I really was."

Sergeant Walker says she is very grateful to Col. Rob Huber, 2d Mission Support Group commander, and Lt. Col. David Chisenhall, 2d CES commander, for the opportunity to tour again.

"They are real supportive," she said. "This base has given me a lot of opportunities to sing throughout the base and local community, and for them to let me come back and do Tops in Blue a second time -- that means a lot to me. I know they are proud of me, and I know how much they're counting on me."

While Sergeant Walker is enjoying reliving the life of a military performer, Airman Harvey is just beginning her journey.

"I love to perform," Airman Harvey said. "It's a dream come true. I know it's not just about me, it's about the mission, and I know I'm here with the team to boost the morale of troops. I'm here to share my gift with people. They told us when we get back to our shops we'd be better Airmen and I feel that I am already. Even if I go back home today I know I'd be a better Airman in my shop. I miss my shop, but I'm happy where I'm at for now."

For a schedule of performances, visit www.topsinblue.com.