Offutt follows in military tradition footsteps during enlisted dining out

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James Farren
  • Offutt Enlisted Dining Out committee
OFFUTT AFB, Neb. --  Formal military dinners are a tradition in all branches of the United States Armed services. In the Air Force, it is the dining-in. 

The Air Force dining-in custom probably began in the 1930s with General H. "Hap" Arnold's "wing dings." The close bonds enjoyed by Air Corps officers and their British colleagues of the Royal Air Force during World War II surely added to the American involvement in the dining-in custom. 

The dining in has served the Air Force well as an occasion for military members to meet socially at a formal military function. It enhances the esprit de corps of units, lightens the load of demanding day-to-day work, gives the commander an opportunity to meet socially with their subordinates and enables military members of all ranks to create bonds of friendship and better working relations through an atmosphere of good fellowship. 

The dining in and the dining out represent the most formal aspects of Air Force social life. The dining out is a relatively new custom that includes spouses and guests. It is similar in all other respects to a dining in. It is important for the success of a dining out that members enjoy the evening, and that the ceremonies are done in a tasteful, dignified manner. A dining out should have a theme around which the decorations and ceremony are built. 

Officers wear the mess dress uniform. Retired officers may wear the mess dress or civilian attire. For enlisted members, mess dress or the semi-formal dress uniform is worn. For retired enlisted personnel, the mess dress, semi-formal dress, or civilian attire is appropriate. Male civilians should wear appropriate black tie dinner dress. The proper dress for civilians should be clearly stated in the invitation. 

The purpose of the Offutt dining out is to bring together members of the Wing in an atmosphere of camaraderie, good fellowship, and social rapport. The basic idea is to enjoy yourself and the company. 

The theme for this year's EDO is "Guardians of Freedom - Never Falter, Never Fail." 

The event will be held Aug. 22 at the Patriot Club. The guest speaker has yet to be announced. 

Coin Contest
In celebration of the event, we will be having a coin commissioned for use as mementos of the event. We will be holding a wing-wide contest to select the best coin design. The winner of the contest will receive two tickets to the Enlisted Dining Out. Additionally, the 55th Wing Command Chief will present the winner with a Command Chief coin and a day off. 

Design entries need to be based on the theme. Submit entries to Master Sgt. James Farren via e-mail at offuttedo@yahoo.com. Hard copies of design entries can be delivered to Sergeant Farren in the 55th Security Forces Squadron Mobility and Supply section located in Bldg. 160. Designs can be two- or one-sided. For more information about the design contest, call Sergeant Farren at 294-5590. 

Watch for further details about the Offutt Enlisted Dining Out.