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Air Force Ball in sight

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Connie L. Bias
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The countdown is almost over ... Fairchild's Air Force Ball takes place Sept. 8, and more than 700 members of Team Fairchild have signed up to attend the Air Force 60th Anniversary celebration.

The "making of" the heritage ball is also coming to a close, as preparations see their final touches and Hangars 2 and 4 metamorphose into a formal setting - a scene created by a lot of hard work and community involvement.

"It's kind of amazing how everybody got together to donate time, equipment and supplies," said Maj. Stephen Walmsley, Air Force Ball committee director, who went on to say that community businesses donations were worth thousands of dollars. These donations included paper for the programs, cocktail-hour butler service and hors d'oeuvres, the dance stage, cakes and chocolates, and more. "The Felts Field Aviation guys are also bringing in a bi-plane display, an old Steerman and a T-6. Normally that would cost a few thousand dollars at an air show, but they're just donating their time and efforts."

Base squadrons and organizations were also indispensable to ball preparation, said the major. Many squadrons donated memorabilia, and groups like the Officers' Spouses Club and the Company Grade Officer committee were deeply involved in planning and organization. Fairchild members also volunteered "several hundred hours of work time," said Major Walmsley.

That work time, though drawing down, is not quite over. In fact, Sept. 7, the day before the ball, will be a full work day for ball committee members and volunteers as they prepare the Hangars with decorations, static displays, a dance floor, etc.

"We still have a lot of work to do," said the director. "The decorating committee will start at 8 a.m. and work until they get everything done."

When they do get done, here's what you'll see: Five static aircraft placed in and around the Hangars to celebrate Air Force heritage; an entrance reception area where attendees will receive a greeting and their seat placement; a pre-ball cocktail area where couples can mingle while listening to the Air Force Band of the Golden West, here from Travis Air Force Base, Calif.; a formal dinner area; and a wooden stage ready for a night of dancing.

So for those of you who are busy preparing your formal eveningwear, whether that be a uniform or civilian outfit, take the time to thank an Air Force Ball volunteer, a committee member or a donating organization. They've worked hard to make Sept. 8 a memorable occasion for Fairchild.

(This is the final story in a four-part series on the Air Force Ball.)