JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Joint Base Andrew's own Airman 1st Class Kristin Wash, 779th Medical Support Squadron logistics technician, has been selected as one of the newest cast members of Tops in Blue.
As the Air Force's premiere entertainment showcase, Tops in Blue consists of Airmen who are committed to providing expeditionary entertainment, within the resources of the Air Force, to all Air Force personnel stationed both abroad and at home.
All Airmen wishing to be selected for Tops in Blue must go through multiple auditions. Despite possible individual audition differences though, Airman Wash remained motivated and up-beat throughout the entire selection process.
"I sent in my audition tape in the beginning of November and was invited to the Worldwide Talent Search at the end of December," said Airman Wash. "After this, I received a notification that stated I had been selected as part of the Tops in Blue 2011 team. At the time, professional performing was new to me so it was an intense learning experience."
In spite of the lengthy audition process and being new to performing with such a high-visibility team, Airman Wash remained true to her original intentions when deciding to audition for the group.
"I see Tops in Blue as a way to fulfill my Air Force core values ... this time, by serving others," said Airman Wash. "With Tops in Blue, I get to sing and dance all over the world, while willingly maintaining a 'Service Before Self' mentality for my entire Air Force family."
With each new season and with every rehearsal, the same level of hard work and dedication is required from each performer, regardless of how long they've been a Tops in Blue cast member. For Airman Wash, this level of expectation is no different and her current training reflects this attitude.
"For me, a day's work consists of morning aerobics or yoga, dance and vocal rehearsals, and recently staging rehearsal," said Airman Wash.
Despite long rehearsals and a jam-packed summer tour schedule, Airman Wash remains optimistic and honored to have been selected to be a Tops in Blue member.
"I'm looking forward to Europe, Japan and performing for the deployed troops on Christmas day," said Airman Wash. "Overall, I feel this is an amazing opportunity to really serve my brothers and sisters in uniform that need encouragement and a brief lapse in their dedicated schedule."
Tops in Blue has been boosting servicemember morale for 55 years and is slated to continue its tradition of serving the greater Air Force community through song this April with a new program entitled "Rhythm Nation." For more information regarding auditioning for Tops in Blue, or for a current schedule of Tops in Blue shows and events, visit http://www.topsinblue.com.