434th ARW scheduled to host AF ball

Published May 24, 2017
By Staff Sgt. Jami K. Lancette
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- As the United States Air Force turns 70 this year, the 434th Air Refueling Wing will celebrate the occasion and honor its legacy with a theme “70 years: Celebrating the past and present.”

The 434th ARW is scheduled to commemorate the occasion with a military ball Sept. 23 at the Kokomo Event Conference Center, Kokomo, Indiana.

“We decided to host this year’s ball off base in a larger facility due to the demands and limited space from the last ball,” said Maj. Cassandra Nelson, 434th Air Refueling Wing executive officer. “We sent out invites all over the state including congressmen and other branches of the military.

“We anticipate a big turnout this year,” Nelson added.

Maj. Gen. Thomas Sharpy, Air Mobility Command vice commander, will be in attendance as a guest speaker.

This year’s ball, like many in the past, have deeply rooted traditions that take place.

One such tradition is the ceremonial cake cutting where the most senior ranking individual and the lowest ranking individual cut a decorated cake using ceremonial swords.

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

“I had a great time at the last Air Force ball,” said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Huff, 434th ARW Airman and Family Readiness technician. “It was great to see everyone dressed up and looking sharp.

“It’s a fun and exciting atmosphere; there’s a feeling that we’re all taking part in something special,” Huff added.

The event will kick off with cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. A specially prepared meal will be plated for guests.

“It’s really nice seeing your fellow Airmen enjoying themselves during the event and mingling with others,” said Nelson. “It’s a really good time to be had, it’s a ball so it’s meant to be fun for everyone.”

Tickets will be available for purchase through unit representatives.

The cost for admission is still being determined.

The uniform of the day includes; mess dress for officers, mess dress or semi-formal for enlisted and formal for civilians.

For additional information contact 1st Lt. Erica Morgan at 765-688-4931.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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

News Search

Grissom to host 2017 AF Ball

434th ARW scheduled to host AF ball

Public Affairs Staff