Two Minot Airmen selected for Tops in Blue

  • Published
  • By Airman Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Two Minot Air Force Base Airmen were recently selected to join the Air Force's entertainment troupe - Tops in Blue.

Senior Airman Tyrece Robertson, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, and Airman 1st Class Jose Gutierrez, 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron, made the final cut for the elite 35-person team after competing against more than 65 other applicants in a 10-day world-wide competition at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

"It feels great," said Airman Gutierrez. "I feel honored being deemed worthy enough to join an organization with such high standards."

"There are no words that adequately express how I feel right now," said Airman Robertson. "I feel humbled, elated and shocked all at the same time. I feel blessed to be part of an elite organization with such an important mission."

Tops in Blue's mission is to serve as an expeditionary entertainment unit providing quality entertainment to Airmen stationed worldwide at remote and deployed locations while simultaneously promoting community relations, supporting recruiting efforts and serving as ambassadors for the United States and the U.S. Air Force.

According to Bob Storck, operations manager for Air Force entertainment, Maj. Al Reilly (now a retired colonel) created the Air Force Worldwide Talent Contest in 1953 to recognize talented Airmen in various categories ranging from comedy, drama, gospel, vocal and instrumental groups, country and western, and several others. Major Reilly then selected the top talent from the competition and produced a show with a troupe of the best Air Force entertainers, which ultimately became known as Tops in Blue.

"Tops in Blue definitely performs a lot," said Airman Robertson. "For my part, I'll primarily be singing first tenor. However, I also play the trombone and of course, everybody dances, so I could be doing anything. I look forward to contributing wherever I can."

As for Airman Gutierrez, he'll be involved with the technical aspects of the show.

"I've been told I'll be the video director for this year's tour," said Airman Gutierrez. "However, titles are one thing, actual duties are another thing. I could be doing anything."

Becoming well versed in all aspects of the show is something that is expected of Tops in Blue members.

"This elite unit is a self-contained traveling showcase," said Mr. Storck. "In addition to perfecting their on-stage performance, these young Airmen also master the technical elements of the entire production, becoming their own technicians for each show."

"It's going to be a challenge, but I know I'm going to love every second of it," said Airman Robertson.

Airman Gutierrez agreed with Airman Robertson's assessment. He, too, realizes Tops in Blue will be challenging but rewarding.

Thomas Edwards, chief of Air Force entertainment, indicated the road will indeed be challenging, but rewarding for Airman Robertson and Airman Gutierrez.

"[From] Jan. 15, 2007, through the end of January 2008, Airman Robertson and Airman Gutierrez will virtually live Tops in Blue 24 hours a day, where the opportunity to do their best every day becomes the constant challenge," he said. "It will require significant personal sacrifice and working mostly 16 to 18 hour days with few full days off. However, in addition to the obvious benefits of Tops in Blue to the Air Force, they will personally gain increased pride, professionalism and confidence throughout the tour."
Confidence is one thing Airman Robertson and Airman Gutierrez said they are not lacking. Airman Robertson grew up singing in church and his high school choir. Airman Gutierrez has worked within theater and produced several short films while in college. He also has extensive experience with lighting systems.

"Airman Gutierrez is an extremely intelligent and outgoing Airman," said Lt. Col. Steven Miller, 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron commander. "He has tremendous technical skills in the video/audio engineering arena. The entire squadron is proud of Airman Gutierrez's selection to the Tops in Blue team. His experiences over the next year will be everlasting and serve to entertain and motivate world-wide audiences."

Lieutenant Colonel Brian May, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron commander, also had positive things to say about his Airman.

"Senior Airman Robertson is a very talented vocalist with an outstanding work ethic and a winning personality," said Colonel May. "Of course, I'm very proud of Airman Robertson and his selection. However, there's a lot more to [him] than a great voice. Tyrece embodies the whole-person concept. I am extremely proud to know that Tyrece will be representing the men and women of the 5th CES as Tops in Blue make its way around the globe."

Global travel will soon become a prominent part of these young Airmen's lives. Tops in Blue has traveled over four million miles to military bases throughout the world, performed at six World Fairs, more than 100 state fairs and festivals, and performed at countless air shows, military balls and special events.

"It's going to be quite the ride," said Airman Robertson. "I'm hanging on and hoping for the best."

"It's going to be a blast," said Airman Gutierrez. "I can't wait!"

For more information about Tops in Blue, visit their Web site at http://www.topsinblue.com