MacDill to hold Enlisted Combat Dining In

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Ellis
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  One week left ... eight days to showtime ... preparation is almost done, now it's time to mentally prepare for what's about to happen at MacDill Air Force Base. From the enormous feasts King Arthur shared with his men who prevailed on the battlefield, to Gen. "Hap" Arnold's notorious 'Wing-dings' during the time of the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, the enlisted personnel on MacDill will uphold feasting traditions in an incredibly unconventional, nontraditional way.

"Come!" said Chief Master Sgt. Derrick Crowley, the 6th Air Mobility Wing command chief. "Until you come, you wouldn't understand how much fun the experience really is."

The Enlisted Combat Dining In has stemmed from the traditional, more formal Dining In/Out and has increased in popularity in recent years. Elements which make the Combat Dining In unique would include: the required combat dress uniform and the war-type water games played at the event. The attires allows participants to be a little more loose, however the structure of the event calls for one to maintain respect for authority and follow rules while having fun.

MacDill's 2011 Enlisted Combat Dining In is scheduled for 5 p.m., July 29 at the field across from the Joint Communications Support Element.

"It's a time to forget stresses, lay aside work and personal issues and simply just have fun," Crowley said.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance through one's first sergeant or senior enlisted leader.

"The Combat Dining In is for every enlisted member who steps foot on MacDill on a daily basis," said Crowley. "This base has all services represented and it's a time to come together in the spirit of fellowship. When we're done I want everyone to leave wondering - when will we do this again?"

As MacDill's command chief master sergeant, Crowley has wise advice to all future attendees:

"Bring the biggest super soaker you can find, fill it with water and let's go for it."