Keesler Airman selected to perform with 'Tops in Blue'

Published Feb. 8, 2012
By Steve Pivnick
81st Medical Group Public Affiars

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Senior Airman Emmanuel Maldonado-Rosario is following a family tradition of Air Force service among the family's eight children, with one exception -- he's the only one to have been selected to become a member of the service's "Tops in Blue" entertainment group.

Maldonado-Rosario, a dental technician with the 81st Dental Squadron here, learned he had been selected Jan. 25 when squadron commander Col. (Dr.) Nicholas Miniotis and superintendent Chief Master Sgt. Tracy Putt approached him with the news.

"At first I didn't realize what they were talking about -- they asked me how I'd like to go on a year-long TDY (temporary-duty assignment). Then they told me I had made 'Tops In Blue.' I was really surprised!"

He was equally surprised when he learned earlier he was among the finalists for the team. He had submitted a self-made video to the Air Force entertainment staff -- filmed in his dormitory room with his camera-phone -- and was among the finalists named in November.

The 22-year-old singer said, although he has been singing since he was a child and sang in his high school choir, this was the first time he had actually participated in an audition.

"I sing just about anything but specialized in classical music when I attended college (Inter-American University in San German, Puerto Rico.)"

Maldonado-Rosario, who is from Manati, Puerto Rico, described the 10-day "Talent Search" tryout Jan. 8-17 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, was "a lot of work, but fun. We would perform in vocal, dancing and specialization auditions from 10 a.m. until 3 the next morning and then be up at 6 a.m. We were told the actual tour, which runs from March 2012 to March 2013, will be much more intense. But I'm ready for it and really look forward to the experience of traveling throughout the U.S. and world."

He expects "Tops in Blue" will return to Keesler so his local "family" will have the opportunity to see him perform with the troupe. He reports to Lackland in mid-March to start the one-year stint.

He added, "I want to thank my family and coworkers who have supported me throughout the process."

"Tops in Blue" is an all active-duty Air Force special unit made up of talented amateur performers selected for their entertainment abilities. According to its website, "Tops in Blue is one of the oldest and most widely traveled entertainment groups of its kind. Composed of 35 to 40 of the most talented vocalists, musicians, dancers and technicians anywhere, their primary purpose is to perform for military personnel and their families throughout the world. However, the enormous popularity of the group has also made them America's goodwill ambassadors around the globe."

Keesler Airman selected to perform with ‘Tops in Blue’ singing group