News

Raising the roof with Tops In Blue

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Moody
  • 446th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Tops In Blue rocked the house in Hangar 9 at McChord Field, here Feb. 12. Despite the cold driving rain, the hangar was packed with an audience eager to enjoy the variety show by the Air Force's premiere entertainment showcase.

Among the 36 hand-picked Airmen performing in the dazzling show was one of the 446th Airlift Wing's own, Tech. Sgt. Katie Badowski, 446th Force Support Squadron, Services Flight craftsman. Sergeant Badowski is a vocalist who has toured with the group visiting more than 23 countries since June 2010.

"I'm really excited about coming back home to perform," said Sergeant Badowski. "I have family and former co-workers coming to see me who are excited as well," said the Oregon State University graduate. "They haven't seen me in a year, so even if they get to see me for five minutes, they'll be excited."

Not only do the elite performers provide world-class entertainment, Sergeant Badowski and the Tops In Blue entertainers also set up more than 60,000 pounds of stage, lighting, audio, video and special effects equipment before the show.

"We are extremely proud of Sergeant Badowski," said Tom Edwards, chief of Air Force Entertainment. "She has grown so much since she first tried out for Tops In Blue and now contributes tremendously to the program."

The 2010 tour, entitled "We Believe" is a salute to the American ideals and featured R&B music from Stevie Wonder, the swingin' sounds of Michael Buble, Montgomery Gentry's all-American country music, hits by the Black-Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga and much more.

For the past 57 years, Tops In Blue has served as America's ambassadors, travelling to more than 20 countries to perform more than 120 times each year. The elite organization is comprised of 35 Airmen, whose talents as vocalists, dancers, musicians and technicians provide entertainment for servicemembers and coalition forces, helping provide a sense of pause and escape for them so they feel inspired to continue their missions.