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Show HILLTOP TIMES II PPEVE S June 28, 2012 Tops in Blue 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs The U.S. Air Force's Tops in Blue offered a free night of family entertainment at Peery's Egyptian Theater in Ogden on Saturday, June 23. "Tops in BLUE is the Air Force's premier entertainment showcase," said Tom Edwards, show producer and chief of Air Force Entertainment. "The new 2012 team is a reflection of the 'best of the best' performers throughout the Air Force." This year, Tops in Blue continued its long-standing tradition of "family entertaining family" by showing what has made the production a "mustsee" event every year for the last 59 years. The crowd was entertained to the dynamic rhythms of The Doobie Brothers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Whitney Houston and Maroon 5. This year's tour also showcased the great country music of Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum and The Zac Brown Band. LEFT: Senior Airman Kerrilee Meeker sings for the crowd at Peery's Egyptian Theatre in Ogden on June 23. RIGHT: Airman 1st Class Jessica Pitts played the trumpet. The dazzling lights, beautiful costumes and precision choreography for which Tops in Blue is known worldwide, provided a show that offered crowd pleasing entertainment for all. The Tops in Blue 2012 aggressive tour schedule is made up of close to 130 performances in the United States and 25 foreign countries. For more information and the 2012 touring schedule visit their official web site at www.topsinblue.com . Deployed Airmen from 388th and 419th FWreturn home BY ANDREA HOUCK Team Hill Public Affairs HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — More than 200 Airmen from the 388th and 419th Fighter Wing received a warm welcome home Saturday after a seven-month deployment to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Family and friends gathered in the hanger together and anxiously awaited their loved ones (?: return, who have been gone since September to maintain security and stability in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Nearly 30 Patriot Guard members held American flags and formed a passageway between the chartered airliner and the hangar where the families and friends lingered. As soon as the returning service members climbed down the plane's stairs, the flag bearers immediately became surrounded by the families rushing out to unite with them. Hugs, kisses and many tears were shared throughout the emotional event. "It's the best feeling in the world for a mother to see and hug her son after being gone so long," said a returning Airman's mother. 388th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Scott Long flew with many of these Airmen while he served in Afghanistan. He welcomed home and congratulated everyone in the 388th and 419th Fighter Wing. "I'm so glad to see our Airmen return home safely, and I'm proud of everything they did to support our coalition objectives and keep our planes safely in the air for six straight months," Long said. Long also thanked all of the families for letting the Airmen so proudly serve. Also welcoming home 0 those deployed were local civic leaders including Mayor Steve Curtis and Peter Jenks, Congressman Rob Bishop's District Director. "On behalf of the city of Layton, we would like to welcome you home and thank you for supporting this great nation," said Mayor Curtis. Reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing volunteered to serve alongside their active-duty counterparts from the 388th. "I greatly appreciate the sacrifices of their families and their full-time civilian employers, who've been making due without them these past months, and who make it possible for our outstanding Airmen to deploy in support of our nation's efforts," said 419th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Keith Knudson. This group followed a dozen F16s, their pilots and 36 additional airmen who returned to Hill April 15. This was the 388th's third successful OEF deployment since 2009. 75th MSS returns to Wahlen Veterans home By AIRMAN 1ST CLASS EMMETT NEGRON 75th Medical Support Squadron (MSS) OGDEN — On June 23, the 75th Medical Support Squadron (MSS) returned to the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Ogden to play bingo and share some interesting stories with our nation's heroes. It was definitely an honor to be able to sit and chat with veterans, hear stories from their past experiences and learn quite a bit of military history as well. For many of the volunteers, this was their second or third trip out to the facility. Tricare Operations Flight Commander Capt. Christy Snow said, "I enjoyed hearing the war stories from our Veterans, and seeing the pride and happiness in their eyes when remembering and telling others." All seventeen of the volunteers enjoyed spending their time at the home, AIRMAN 1ST CLASS EMMETT NEGRON/U.S. Air Force Carol and Ward Sevy enjoy a game of Bingo at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Ogden. as well as our Veterans, who were more than happy to have someone to share their stories with. Once again, retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dan Nelson knocked it out of the park with an outstanding performance as the bingo caller, who was later coined after the event for his constant participation. Lt. Col. Todd Osgood, 75 MDSS Commander, said, "It is a real honor and privilege to give back and to get to know those who have served our great nation." To volunteer at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home or for more information, please contact Activities Coordinator PJ Woodbury at 801-334-4314. |