Tops in Blue perform for Barksdale Published Aug. 13, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Joesph C. Boals 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- More than 750 members of the Barksdale community attended the free Tops in Blue concert Aug. 12 at Hoban Hall. As the concert progressed, the audience member's applause only became louder as several attendees danced and sang along with the performers. "I thought this year's show was really cool, I enjoyed it," said Airman 1st Class Justin Hammond, 2d Maintenance Operations Squadron. "I saw it last year and got hooked on it. You wouldn't expect something like this in the military, so when you see Broadway type entertainment, it really boosts morale." While hundreds of audience members packed the auditorium for an entertaining evening, for one Tops in Blue performer, the show was more than just another performance, it was a chance to see both her home state and squadron. "It feels great being back in Louisiana," said Senior Airman Joanella Jackson, Detachment 1, 20th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Polk, La. "I got to see everybody from my squadron, my husband and my kids; it's just awesome to be at home again. I've been singing since I was three," said the New Orleans native. "My grandmother had me at church singing as a child." Although this year was Airman Jackson's first year with the traveling group, Tops in Blue have performed everywhere troops have been stationed for the past 56 years. "I've seen the show almost every year since 1985 and this year was one of the best I've seen," Col. Rob Huber, 2d Mission Support Group commander. "I think the show brings an opportunity to get the family out and enjoy a night of entertainment at no expense. It brings together both the active-duty and retiree community for a night together of fun." The entertainment team of 35 singers and musicians responsibilities are not only to perform, but also consist of setting-up and tearing-down over 54,000 pounds of stage, lights and audio equipment. The Tops in Blue performers are slated to return for another concert next year. For more information on Tops in Blue, visit www.topsinblue.com.