MacDill Enlisted Combat Dining In: Stress relief and morale boost

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tania Reid
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MacDill AFB, Fla --  Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors armed with pink, yellow, purple and orange weapons, camouflaged face paint and liquid bombs came out ready for battle at MacDill's "Enlisted Only" Combat Dining In held at Hangar 1 here Aug. 21. 

The ECDI, designed as a morale booster and stress reliever for the enlisted servicemembers brought together all ranks for a night of fun and camaraderie. All attendants were given an opportunity to experience a formal aspect of the military social life and the enlisted corps Air Force tradition. 

More than 350 servicemembers attended the social event. Their weapons ranged from standard water pistols to large super soakers. They were required to inprocess at the gate in an effort to create a realistic deployment scenario and then directed to their designated sites. 

After the members of the mess table were seated, a brief history of the Dining In was read by the madam vice Tech. Sgt. Jazmin Rodriguez, 6th Air Mobility Wing executive assistant to the command chief and mister vice Master Sgt. Jarvis Mister, 6 AMW knowledge operations manager. Following the presentation of colors and the reading of the rules of engagement members were introduced to the contents of the Grog Bowl. President of the mess, Chief Master Sgt. Derrick Crowley, 6 AMW command chief and MacDill's top enlisted Airman lead and enforced the rules of the ECDI. 

"The night was awesome, everyone had the opportunity to unwind and have fun," said Chief Crowley. "My most memorable moment was when all the first sergeants drank from the grog bowl due to one first sergeant breaking the rules." 

Violators of the rules of the mess were either sent directly to the Grog Bowl or required to tackle the obstacle course all the way to the bowl. All participants were shown no mercy once the weapons were locked and loaded. Watery bombs were launched against all. 

"With the Unit Compliance Inspection and promotion results out the way it was a great way to relieve some stress," said Staff Sgt. Aleeka Broner, ECDI entertainment chairperson. "My responsibility was to provide, plan and organize the events as well as the weapons for those who came without." 

The ECDI planning committee assisted with the contents that were added to the Grog Bowl. They also decided what infractions would send someone directly to the bowl or to the obstacle course. 

Violations ranged from members leaving their area of responsibility without permission from the president, tossing water balloons at the mess table, refusing to do what they are told and more. 

"This was my first Combat Dining In," said Airman 1st Class Ryan Sales, 6th Force Support Squadron customer service journeyman. "It was memorable clean, healthy, fun for all the participants." 

The planning and preparation of the ECDI was more than an overnight venture. It took months to get the event together. 

"The Enlisted Dining In took months of planning and organizing by different committees around MacDill," said Chief Crowley. "It would not have been possible without their efforts."