Tops in Blue performance helps servicemembers embrace the holiday spirit

  • Published
  • By Michael Voss
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  Christmas Day in Afghanistan starts much like any other. Deployed Airmen don body armor and take to security patrols; some work trouble tickets from the helpdesk; and others fix broken dormitory doors; but one constant for all is the longing to be with friends and families back home.

Fortunately, Airmen assigned to Bagram Airfield were treated to a little distraction this holiday season by Tops in Blue.

Tops in Blue performers put on two shows Dec. 24 and 25, before moving on to their next show location in Southwest Asia as part of their "We Believe" tour.

"Of course, it is not easy to be away from your loved ones at any time of the year. The holiday season does make it more difficult because we associate so many festivities with family memories," said Craig Joint Theater Hospital intensive care nurse, Maj. Katheryn W. Ellis. "However, if I have to be away from my family over the holidays, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else or doing anything else than taking care of our wounded troops here in Afghanistan."

"I feel it is my way of giving back to them - a way to show my appreciation and utmost respect for the sacrifices they make every day," explained the Myrtle Beach, S.C., native.

Major Ellis is not alone in her feelings; many of the more than 200 who attended the concerts cheered during the performance of "Proud to be an American."

"Having a friend who is a performer in Tops in Blue this year was a blessing," said Senior Airman Michael Conklin, a force protection Airman assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron assigned to provide escort security for the many construction sites on Bagram. "It helped me realize that even though I am away from my family, I have friends here to get me through this holiday season."

The Alaskan native who deployed from the 55th Strategic Communications Squadron at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., four months ago explained what keeps him in good spirits is his fellow Airmen.

"It is tough, but with my friends here it is like having a second family. We all do little things to help lift each other's spirits, and I think it makes it easier on all of us," he said.

As the show came to an end, the holidays passed and Bagram Airmen returned to their jobs the reality of being away from home came back, but being able to escape and embrace the holiday spirit for even a few hours for some makes a world of difference.

"The performance revived me, picked up my spirits, and helped me feel connected to my Air Force family. What a wonderful Christmas gift," the major said. "I went to the show on Christmas Eve then worked at the hospital on Christmas Day. Later, I called my loved ones on Christmas and sent my mom an e-mail telling her a very touching story about one of the patients I cared for and the difference we made in that patient's life. It really helped her feel connected to what I am doing over here."

For a schedule of Tops In Blue performances or more information, visit www.topsinblue.com. Follow Tops In Blue at www.twitter.com/aftopsinblue, the Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Tops-In-Blue/178040815544510 or read blog entries at www.tib.dodlive.mil.