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Airmen increase morale at Combat Dining In

Members of Team Fairchild engage in a water fight using water guns, balloons and hoses during the Combat Dining In at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Aug. 23, 2013. Members were able to attend wearing any combination of Air Force uniforms including the Airman battle uniform, desert combat uniform, battle dress uniform and even flight suits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taylor Curry/Released)

Airmen increase morale at Combat Dining In

Senior Airman Candace Goldfuss, 92nd Security Forces Squadron installation patrolman, performs the low crawl on the obstacle course during the Combat Dining In at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Aug. 23, 2013. The event was intended to enhance esprit of units and enable military members of all ranks to create bonds of friendship and better working relations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Taylor Curry/Released)

Airmen come together at Combat Dining In

Published Aug. 27, 2013
By Senior Airman Taylor Curry
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Approximately 435 active-duty and Air National Guard Airmen kicked back Aug. 23 at the Combat Dining In hosted at the Airman Leadership school football field.

The military tradition dates as far back as the Roman Military. It is a social affair that is intended to preserve and recognize our military traditions and raise morale.

The event is also considered a less formal affair. Members were able to attend wearing any combination of Air Force uniforms including the Airman battle uniform, desert combat uniform, battle dress uniform and even flight suits.

"The event was intended to enhance esprit of units and enable military members of all ranks to create bonds of friendship and better working relations," said Staff Sgt. Myra Garcia, 92nd Air Refueling Wing executive assistant to the command chief.

Airmen that attended the event were encouraged to bring water guns and water balloons with them. During the event, attendees braved the obstacle course, consisting of a tire course, low crawl and a water slide. After completion, the member had to drink from the grog bowl.

"The Combat Dining In was a great way to meet new people from all over base," said Senior Airman Desiree Straughn, 92nd Operations Support Squadron aviation resource manager. "It was a blissful experience and a way to take out my old BDUs. I enjoyed the dazzling unique outfits and it was a great way to celebrate a timeless tradition. I didn't take the smile off my face the whole time."