Aviano member sings way into Tops in Blue

by Senior Airman Michael Battles
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/14/2014 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy  -- After more than a year of waiting, one Airman finally has a chance to pursue his passion.

Last year, Senior Airman Jeffrey Ellis, 31st Security Forces Squadron defender, was selected in Jan. 2013 to join, the U.S. Air Force's premiere entertainment group Tops in Blue, but due to budget cuts, Ellis dream was put on hold.

TIB is an all active duty unit comprised of talented Airmen selected for their performing abilities. Airmen can audition in a variety of categories including singing, dancing, comedy and instrumental.

"I've been singing my whole life," Ellis, a Waldorf, Md. native said. "When I heard about Tops in Blue I knew I had to audition."

Ellis' father, retired Tech. Sgt. Billy Ellis, introduced him to Tops in Blue.

Once the Air Force received notice that the group TIB would continue, Ellis received notification that he would be brought on as a member of the 2014 cast instead of the original 2013.

Originally, Ellis auditioned for the group online when he was at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M. He submitted a song titled "We Must Praise," which earned him a spot in the 2013 Air Force Talent Search competition held at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

During the 10-day competition, participants were judged on their vocal and dance talent, and also on their personality, personal interviews and team work. As part of his final performance, Ellis sang a song titled "Dreaming with a Broken Heart," which earned him second place in the male vocalist category. After completion of the completion, Ellis' combined talents officially earned him a position within the TIB cast.

"I'm looking forward to developing my craft," he said. "I have never had the chance to be vocal coached, so for them to be able to provide vocal coaching and the performing experience is priceless. In Tops in Blue you get all aspects of show business from performing, backstage, costumes and even the technical side, which is amazing."

When asked what his family thought of him being selected for TIB, Ellis said, "They were overjoyed. My family is my biggest support when it comes to my music."

According to the official website, TIB is an expeditionary entertainment unit that provides quality entertainment for personnel stationed worldwide at remote and deployed locations. TIB cast members promote community relations while supporting recruiting efforts and serve as ambassadors for the U.S. and Air Force.

"I think it's going to be a big job, but with everything it's going to come with some training and hopefully I will represent the Air Force as best as I can," Ellis said.

In March, Ellis will depart Aviano to start his two months of training with TIB at Lackland AFB before hitting the road in May for the group's world tour. Ellis joined the U.S. Air Force in Sept. 2011 and arrived at Aviano AB in Oct. 2013.