Eglin Airmen make Tops in Blue team

  • Published
  • By Ilka Cole
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Two Eglin Airmen started training for Tops In Blue, the Air Force's amateur talent showcase at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, March 23.

Airman 1st Class Christine M. David, an administration journeyman and Senior Airman Christopher Hayes, a load crew member, both with the 96th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here, were among 37 Airmen from different professions that were selected for the Tops In Blue 2015 global tour.

"During mission auditions, applicants were put to the test immediately," said Hayes, now a TIB technician and staging specialist.  "I was awarded 1st place for my audition performance in the technician category."

The 24-year-old was a stagehand before enlisting in the Air Force.  The Stuart, Iowa native said he was inspired to try out after helping with the TIB show in August, 2012 at his former base.

David said her love of the performing arts and giving back to others drove her to audition as a TIB vocalist.

"The year-long tour will give me the opportunity to give back to the service men and women who provide us with their energy and support all over the globe," said David, a high school musical performer from Renton, Washington. "It's been my dream to perform for the troops down range during Christmas."

Eglin's Airmen began the two-month long tour preparations known as the staging process.

"The 60-day staging process builds the Airmen's stamina for the intense singing and dancing tour routines and the 90-minute set up and tear down of 60,000 pounds of gear night after night," said Bob Storck, operations manager for Tops In Blue.  "In addition, performers learn music, choreography, rehearse and are fitted for costumes."

The 2015 Tops In Blue world tour is scheduled to begin Memorial Day at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.