Well hello friends and family!! I'm settled in at my new home for the next 3 months: Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. I arrived here yesterday afternoon with a few of my fellow TIB friends and we've been busy preparing ourselves for the journey ahead. Clipping strings from our uniforms, ironing, pinning on new ribbons and putting our initials in our underwear... yes, welcome to the real deal military life!! It is such an honor to have the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing cause here at Tops In Blue. Here's my perspective on the year ahead:
There are 310 million people in the United States of America. In any society throughout history there are an elected few who serve as warriors, guardians, and protectors of the way of life people have grown accustomed to. In our case as Americans, we have grown accustomed to freedom, liberty, and justice. Take a moment to reflect... One percent of America, or roughly three million individuals have stood up and answered the call to service as those warriors. And a call to service it is... it is not mandatory, there is no draft and you will not be flogged in the streets if you make the decision not to serve. That is your right as Americans to choose. If you choose not to you are no greater or less than the person who chooses to raise their hand and swear an oath to their nation. That's what is great about the country we live in. Freedom.
Many of my friends and family have remarked to me how "lucky" or "fortunate" I am to be a part of Tops In Blue 2011. Yes, I will get to travel the world, entertain for a living, and be a part of something that few have the opportunity to experience. But on this night, the eve of adventure's beginning... I reflect not on how lucky I am to be able to do this, but on how fortunate I am to be able to give to this. That one percent of our population who stands in harms way and solemnly vows that nothing is going to harm you tonight... don't they deserve the ABSOLUTE BEST of what we have to offer? That one percent... shouldn't they get every privilege available to them? Every advantage possible? Every luxury we have at our disposal? I certainly think so.
As a member of Tops In Blue our mission is to provide quality entertainment to the Air Force family. Imagine how grateful our deployed service members are when they have the opportunity to forget the troubles of war and get to enjoy an evening of their favorite music. Just think of how excited our Airmen are when we travel to Minot, ND in the middle of winter to bring a touch of Broadway to lift their spirits. Can you see the smiles on the faces of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines at Landsthul, Germany where they are being treated for wounds inflicted in battle when Tops In Blue arrives to bring light into an otherwise dark time in their life? This year we will be doing all we can to give our military members the very best. This program is the very least we can do as a society to express our thanks and gratitude for their service.
Being here to earn a spot on the Tops In Blue 2011 tour is the honor of a lifetime. This cause, to boost morale and bring smiles to the faces of those warriors serving our country is one that is worthy of my best effort. I thank you for your support and your love. Your notes, phone calls, texts, facebook posts, etc. give me such joy to know that you care.
T-10 hours until the journey begins.
Staff Sergeant Lindquist... Out.
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