434th ARW scheduled to host AF Ball

Published July 16, 2015
By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Mota
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Post-war celebrations were all the rage in the mid-1940s as America celebrated victory and the homecoming of troops from abroad.

The 434th Air Refueling Wing is scheduled to re-create that celebration with a military ball here Sept. 12.

"This is going to be a great event!" said Col. Schwartz, 434th ARW commander. "The Air Force Ball is a tradition that celebrates the heritage and the history of the Air Force and promotes camaraderie and espirit de corps."

This year's ball, "Wings over America: A salute to the 1940s" will feature music and festivities from that era.

"The theme was chosen because this September marks the 70-year anniversary of the end of World War II," said Jill Marconi, Grissom Airman and Family Readiness director. "We have invited three World War II veterans to honor their service and show our gratitude."

In addition to the veterans, other guests include civic leaders and elected officials from the local area and throughout the state.

"This is an excellent opportunity for members to socialize and participate in traditions that have been passed down throughout generations," said 2nd Lt. Erica Morgan, 434th Maintenance Squadron executive officer.

One of those traditions is the cake cutting ceremony.

"The cake cutting ceremony is a military tradition where the most senior ranking individual and the lowest ranking individual cut a decorated cake using ceremonial swords," explained Morgan.

Attendees will also observe other ceremonial traditions performed by the Grissom Honor Guard including the presentation of colors ceremony and prisoner of war/missing in action ceremony.

The event will be located in Hanger 1 and will begin with social hour at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. A specially prepared meal will be plated for guests, and the hangar will be transformed into a venue fit for a ball.

"The Grissom Air Museum has agreed to loan authentic World War II memorabilia to decorate the hangar to match that era," said Marconi. "The transformation is going to be astonishing."

A unique coin is being minted to commemorate this event. The coin will be distributed to all those in attendance.

Tickets are available for purchase through unit representative. The cost for admission is: senior airmen and below $10; staff sergeant to master sergeant $35; senior master sergeant and above, officers and civilians $50.

The uniform for the day includes; mess dress for officers, mess dress or semi-formal for enlisted and formal for civilians. For more information on enlisted and officers dress code visit the Air Force Personnel Center guide for uniform information by clicking here.

For additional information contact Morgan at 688-4931.

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.

Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.

News Search

Grissom AF Ball

434th ARW scheduled to host AF Ball

Public Affairs Staff