Comedian surprises Air Force Tops In Blue team

  • Published
  • By Gary Lott
  • Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas --  A former Air Force Talent Contest winner and Tops in Blue selectee met with the 2014 Tops In Blue team during a surprise visit April 2.

Sinbad met with the team to provide new Tops In Blue members encouragement and advice on their upcoming tour.

"I was really excited when Sinbad walked through the door," said 2nd Lt. Alicia Wallace, Tops In Blue team member permanently assigned to Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. "We thought we were there for a meeting. I had always heard he was an incredible entertainer, so it was a pleasant surprise from the hard work we were doing on Lackland."

Following the initial greeting Sinbad performed an hour-long impromptu routine.

"He was hilarious," said Staff Sgt. Marc Hightower, 2014 Tops In Blue team member permanently assigned to Kadena Air Base, Japan. "I enjoyed learning about his history, where he came from and the avenues he took to be successful."

Hightower said he was unsure about what type of training they were to receive that day and Sinbad's visit was a welcomed gift.

"The most important thing I learned was to never quit," Hightower continued. "That's something I can apply to anything I'm doing."

Sinbad, who was born David Adkins, acknowledged his troubled and often difficult days as a young Airman, yet credits Tops In Blue for his commercial success.

Tom Edwards, (Chief of Air Force Entertainment and Tops in Blue producer) saw something in me and he supported me," Sinbad continued. "Tops In Blue changed my life; I became a comedian because of Tops In Blue. As crazy as it was (for me) in the Air Force, I appreciate the Air Force for allowing me to learn on their dime."

Sinbad also acknowledged there were values he picked up in the Air Force that will stay with him for the rest of his life, though at the time he didn't realize were being instilled.

When asked about the rewards they will glean as entertainers Sinbad said, "You know, the best thing about entertaining is making it as an entertainer. You get to do something you love. I had a vision as a kid and it came true. You can't beat that."

Tops In Blue returns this year with its long-standing tradition of "family entertaining family," illustrating what has made Tops In Blue a "must see" event for more than 60 years. Tops In Blue is primarily funded through nonappropriated funds generated from morale, welfare and recreation activities.

For more information and a schedule of upcoming performances, visit www.topsinblue.com. Follow the group on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aftopsinblue or visit their Facebook fan page at www.facebook.com/topsinblue.