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434th ARW hosts AF Ball 'Wings over America: A salute to the 1940s'

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  It wasn't a time machine, but after walking through a sandbag bunker, members and guests of the 434th Air Refueling Wing were transported in time to the end of World War II and the celebrations that ensued.

Those celebrations and memories were recreated with a military ball hosted by the 434th ARW here Sept. 12.

"The 2015 Air Force ball was an outstanding event!" said Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th ARW commander. "It was great to see so many civic leaders and Airmen enjoy a spectacular evening of camaraderie and fellowship as we celebrated the 70th anniversary to the end of World War II."

This year's ball, "Wings over America: A salute to the 1940s" featured music and festivities from that era inside a hangar transformed with authentic World War II memorabilia. 

"Today's theme, a salute to the 1940s, is all about honoring those who served before us, said Maj. Gen. Maryanne Miller, Headquarters U.S. Air Force deputy to the chief of the Air Force Reserve and guest speaker. "Those veterans contributed bricks of success paved for us to follow, but now it's the trail laid by Airmen from the 434th and others that keep the skies above this great country and our allies safe for the generations to come."

Other guests included U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, Indiana Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann, Logansport, Ind. Mayor Greg Goodnight and other civic leaders and veterans from the local area and throughout the state.

Attendees observed ceremonial traditions including the presentation of colors ceremony and prisoner of war/missing in action ceremony in addition to the cake cutting ceremony, a military tradition where the most senior ranking individual and the lowest ranking individual cut a decorated cake using a ceremonial sword.

"The Air Force ball was a great experience for me," said Airman 1st Class Kaila Walker, 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron logistic plans apprentice and lowest ranking individual at the event. "I really enjoyed cutting the cake and witnessing Air Force traditions for the first time."

In addition, two World War II veterans, William Mallow and Forest Mason, attended the event as honored guests. 

"We are very honored to have two World War II veterans here with us today," added Schwartz. "Their contributions to our nation are true examples of the selfless service the Air Force continues to instill in Airmen today."

During the ball, specially prepared meals were plated and served to guests followed by a night of fellowship and dancing.

"Events like these remind us that our great citizen airmen are making their own history each and every day while remembering the sacrifices of those veterans who served before them," concluded Schwartz.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer