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Hurlburt Airmen Selected for Tops In Blue

  • Published
  • By Aaron Schoenfeld
  • 1st SOW Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Two Air Commandos from the 1st Special Operations Wing were selected as members of the 2008 Air Force Expeditionary Entertainers Team, commonly known as Tops In Blue.

Airmen 1st Class Barry Smith, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, and Blake Whilden, 1st Special Operations Services Squadron, were notified Dec. 13 by their unit commanders that they will be members of the performance group.

Airman Smith was selected for the team as a performer and Airman Whilden as the lighting director.

Airman Whilden said he's enjoyed doing technical applications for productions since high school and has worked at community theaters, but has never had an opportunity like this.

"I get to serve my country, do what I love and travel, too," said Airman Whilden. "It's a dream come true."

Tops In Blue serves as an expeditionary entertainment unit to provide entertainment for the Air Force family, with priority to Air Force members stationed worldwide at remote and deployed locations. They also promote community relations, support recruiting efforts and serve as ambassadors for the United States and the Air Force.

Thirty-five active-duty Airmen are selected from across the Air Force each year to help entertain military members and families in more than 20 countries and at more than 120 worldwide locations, including war zones.

"[This is] a big deal as they'll represent the base for the next year as they tour the world," said Col. Michael Smietana, 1st Special Operations Mission Support Group commander.

Not realizing exactly how far it would get him, Airman Smith auditioned at the suggestion of a friend.

"This all started because someone asked me what I do for fun," he said. "I told them I like to sing and write music. My friend told me I should audition for Tops In Blue, so I gave it a shot."

Airman Smith, who also plays the trombone, said getting cast in Tops in Blue was a multi-step application process that started with the submission of a talent video.

Those who made a positive impression with their video were invited to Texas for the worldwide talent competition. The candidates were evaluated in person through workouts, interviews and dances, or activities that demonstrated their technical proficiency.

Airmen Smith and Whilden will officially begin their tour in February, but won't begin performing until later in the year.

"I'm excited," said Airman Smith. "This is great, I'm ready to go. I know it'll be a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it."

For more information on the team visit www.topsinblue.com.