Band member reunites with Tops In Blue Published Feb. 5, 2014 By Master Sgt. Jake McCray Washington, D.C. -- In addition to the band career field, the Air Force has a unique musical organization whose sole purpose is to play for our service members, both at their duty station and in the deployed environment. That organization, Tops In Blue (TIB), came to being in 1953 under then Maj. Al Reily who wanted to, "recognize talented airmen in various categories ranging from comedy, drama, vocals, gospel, vocal and instrumental groups, country and western, and several others." This 'talent show' of the Air Force was designed to provide entertainment for Air Force families across the world. In its modern-day form, TIB takes Airmen from one of the 130 careers throughout the Air Force and places them in a special duty for one year, as the group tours across the world performing for service members. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints the 2013 tour of TIB was cancelled. However, the chief of staff of the Air Force felt so strongly about the program that he asked for some sort of performance for deployed airmen during the holiday season by the organization. The solution was an "All-Star" program of former TIB members who could put together a show in a very short time frame. The U.S. Air Force Band's own Senior Master Sgt. Regina Coonrod was one of those "All-Stars" and recently came back from the TIB tour through Southwest Asia. Coonrod serves as the superintendent of Operations within the Band's Operations section where she coordinates high-level concerts and events with military and civilian dignitaries. She entered the Air Force as a member of Security Forces at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. in 1999. In 2001, she had the opportunity to perform with TIB, using that experience as platform to launch her career with The U.S. Air Force Band in 2002. Over this most recent holiday season, Coonrod had the unique opportunity to perform with TIB once more--this time as part of the Tops in Blue All-Stars. Comprised of 28 former 'Tops' members, she was a featured vocalist in 12 concerts in 8 countries throughout Southwest Asia, and served as superintendent. I had a chance to speak with Coonrod about her recent performing experience overseas, and she had some wonderful experiences to share, especially, sharing the camaraderie with fellow service members while being deployed away from home during the holidays. McCray: What was it like to be back with TIB, had you worked with any of the personnel back in 2001? Coonrod: Fortunately, I've been able to stay actively involved with the program since my tour in 2001, so I knew everyone on the team from previous encounters. We had members who had been on tours from 1988 to 2011, but like a fraternity, we all stepped naturally and comfortably into our roles. It didn't take long for us to click as a family. I was fortunate enough to tour with three of my 2001 tour brothers. We had all matured in our own way over the years, and it was amazing to see how much hadn't changed at all with our interaction with each other after 12 years. McCray: What were some of the highlights during your deployment? Coonrod: Well, first, I have to say the very first show. Putting together a more than two-hour show with costumes changes and choreography in three weeks is no small task. We performed two shows for the trainees and the public before heading downrange. The amount of support from the TIB priors was crazy! People flew in, drove for hours and took time off their jobs just to come down to support us. Seeing the outpouring of love and support seemed to make the butterflies go away. Secondly, I've been on a few deployments now, so I've had the opportunity to meet some pretty extraordinary people doing some extraordinary things. That's one of the most rewarding things about morale deployments. I've witnessed these airmen, soldiers, marines and civilians tell their testimony of what they're going through; some special ops, combat controllers, etc. performing "outside the wire" missions, risking their lives daily. I hear them say things like, "Thank you for coming here to see us...it means more than you know," or "This is the closest thing to having family here," or "Things have been rough, and you guys just made it easier for me to push through to the finish line...I felt like giving up until you came." Each time someone takes the time to say that, you know you're a part of something pretty special. I heard it every show, and every day was a highlight because I felt that our team was helping some our own press to the finish line of their deployment mission. McCray: What were some of the challenges? Coonrod: Our greatest challenges were some of the most rewarding. For example, weather in many of the places we performed was colder than usual. When we arrived in Kandahar, we discovered that it was only in the low 30s, and we had an outdoor show to do at night! Needless to say, we pressed through, performing the entire show (temp was mid 20s most of the show). The awesome thing was we had one of our largest audiences--over 600 reflective belts standing for the entire show. The next day, Christmas Eve, we left for Bagram. Upon our arrival at the terminal at 1100, our point of contact told us that we needed start the show at 1500 instead of the 1900 scheduled time. Because of the threat, everyone had to be in full battle rattle by sundown if they were going to be outside. With no food in our stomachs, and 7 pallets of equipment to set up, it seemed impossible. However, just like every challenge TIB faces, we tackled it head-on with added enthusiasm. Needless to say, we finished in record time. The ladies still managed to have time to do hair and makeup for the show, which started on time. Facing the reality of the real-world threat and the reality that we may not be able to perform the scheduled Christmas show, we did one of our best shows that day. Lastly, we only had 3 weeks to prepare and 12 shows in 15 days. This made it very difficult, nearly impossible to perfect a show. Typically staging for a 90-minute show lasts between 8 to 10 weeks. Prepared or not, we still had a mission to accomplish. Over the span of 12 shows, every show got better and better. The amount of teamwork displayed over those 45 days was nothing short of miraculous. I am so proud to say I was part of it. McCray: As an Air Force, and the military in general, we've been at war since 2001, and Air Force members have been deployed since the first Gulf War. As someone who's been on multiple deployments throughout southweast Asia (SWA), what has changed? What strikes you most about the people you've seen, and the places you've been? Coonrod: The first thing you notice are the signs of the drawdown in some locations. Some of the bases we visited seemed to have more people at their base due to smaller Forward Operating Bases closing. A band favorite, Manas (Kyrgyzstan), is closing and moving to another location. Also, you see some bases that are there for the "Enduring" part of our contingency. Some of the "undisclosed locations" in SWA now have hardened facilities and dorms for permanent party. Some are even assigned there for two years or more and able to bring their entire families. These families are able to leave base and attend schools in the city. It was strange to see families on a deployment, but it's also a testament to the growth of our partnerships with some of our host nations. Additionally, in Afghanistan, we've had the opportunity to work in some of the villages throughout the years. Our service members have assisted in building schools and assisting in humanitarian efforts across Afghanistan. I definitely noticed improvements over the years. However, more importantly, we are now able to see Afghan National Army members working alongside our members or under little supervision at some of our bases in Afghanistan. As they become less dependent on us, our footprint becomes lighter and lighter. When I first deployed over a decade ago, I would've never thought one would see Afghans and ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) working side by side. It makes me so proud of what our guys are doing over there. Their sacrifice and bravery can sometimes go unnoticed in today's climate, but we're always sure to say "thank you" on behalf of everyone back at home praying for their safety and protection. McCray: TIB has had a significant impact on your life, both professionally and personally. What would you say to someone who might be considering joining the Air Force, auditioning for TIB, or even auditioning for one of the Air Force Bands? Coonrod: No matter what, do your homework prior to doing anything. Study your interests. Find mentors of your interests and seek counsel. Nothing should ever surprise you after the fact. Then, you work hard. Find ways to exceed the standard and stand out from your competition. Be positive, gracious and humble in all things. And once you do that, strap in and get ready for the ride, being confident that you've done everything you could do to prepare. McCray: Your time within the Air Force has been a very unique path. Going back to 1999, if you had it all to do over again, what would you do differently? Any regrets? Coonrod: This isn't the path I chose in 1999, but I'm glad someone was looking out for me by closing some doors and opening others. It's been a wild ride ever since it started. Even though I've traveled extensively, I probably would've chosen the regional band instead because I would love to PCS and have the experience of living in different states/countries throughout my career. However, the reality is, I'm more blessed than I believe I deserve. I have mentors who have influenced me and helped shape my career. I loved my career in Security Forces. I love the family that I've gained through TIB. I love my career in the Band. I've become a better person and a better Airman because of all three, and I can only hope to pay forward all that I've been given. I'm truly blessed beyond measure to be a part of all of these phenomenal organizations that encompass my greatest passions. It doesn't get any better than that!