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Letters to the Editor, Thursday, February 11, 2010

I was shocked and disappointed by "Time to retire Tops In Blue" (letter, Feb. 3).

I'm glad that the retired master sergeant acknowledged the hard work that went into Tops In Blue. Since he's never toured, he doesn't understand the blood, sweat and tears that go into a high-energy show. The men and women who have toured with Tops In Blue epitomize the core values. They have put the morale of others above their own. They sacrificed time with their families to make a homesick airman or a disabled veteran feel good about what they're doing and what they've accomplished.

If the Air Force is all about the troops (I think it is), supervisors need to continue to push this program for the greater good. It's their professional responsibility! We need funding to organize, train and equip our troops. Funding is also necessary to keep our airmen motivated. It's worth every penny!

Is Tops In Blue relevant? If the answer is no, it's time to separate or retire and let new people take over who will better serve the needs of others. Don't lose sight of the importance of troop morale and the core value of service before self. Ask not what the Air Force can do for you; ask what you can do for your Air Force. What supervisors can do, is continue to support this critical entertainment program and "voluntell" all the people they can every time Tops In Blue is in town.

With a sluggish economy at home and new budget challenges ahead, does the Air Force need Tops In Blue? Is it worth spending our hard-earned tax dollars for entertainment we are forced to see? I bet people will say yes — except for one.

Maj. Michael A. Noche (retired)Tops in Blue 1988 (overseas) and 2000Sacramento, Calif.

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