AF Ball

Col. Robert Mendenhall, 341st Security Forces Group commander, congratulates Lt. Col. Natalie Bonetti, 341st Missile Wing Inspector General, while Col. Mohammed "Mo" Khan, 341st Operations Group commander (center) and Lt. Col. John Ard, 10 Missile Squadron Director of Operations, look on. Colonel Bonetti was promoted to her current rank the day prior on Oct. 1. (U.S. Air Force photo/Beau Wade)

Wing One celebrates Air Force Anniversary Ball

Published Oct. 8, 2010
By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs Office

MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Members of the 341st Missile Wing gathered at the Best Western Heritage Inn Oct. 2 for the 2010 Wing One Air Force Anniversary Ball. This year's theme was "A Night to Remember: Honoring Air Force Airmen Past, Present and Future...A Red Carpet Event."

As the Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen, civilians and their spouses arrived at the event, their photos were taken along the red carpet stationed outside of the hotels entryway. Social hour started at 6 p.m. followed by an evening of dinner and dancing to the soulful sounds of the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band "Night Wing" from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

As 7 p.m. neared, a few Airmen notified those in attendance that the event was soon to begin by chiming bells. As everyone took their seats, Capt. David Wyrick, the Air Force Ball emcee, made his way to the microphone introducing the head tables, and preparing everyone for the posting of the colors and the singing of the National Anthem by Airman 1st Class Veronica Hamilton, 341st Medical Operations Squadron dental laboratory technician.

"Wing One celebrated the Air Force's birthday in style," said Lt. Col. Lloyd Buzzell, 341st Operations Support Squadron commander. "The 400-plus guests obviously enjoyed themselves with numerous calls of 'Malmstrom' from those in attendance. The host hotel worked hand-in-hand with us to produce an incredible and memorable evening. I can't say enough about the Air Force Ball Committee, the volunteers and our sponsors who supported us. We are already looking forward to next year when we can celebrate in our new community center on base."

After the meal was served, a video highlighting the history of the minuteman series of intercontinental ballistic missiles was shown, followed by the introduction of the guest speaker, Col. Anthony Cotton, 341st Missile Wing commander. The evening ended with several song selections from the USAF Band "Night Wing."

"Six months of preparation went into this event and working with such dedicated individuals made it all possible," said Tech. Sgt. Amy Booker, 341st Medical Operations Squadron dental logistics NCOIC. "No matter what challenges we faced, the end result was amazing. It was truly a night to remember."