2008 Enlisted Dining Out: Transforming the Warrior Airman

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Emerald Ralston
  • 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  This year's Enlisted Dining will be held April 11 at the 3-Bay hangar and will feature the fifth Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Robert Gaylor, as the guest speaker. The theme of the evening is "Transforming the Warrior Airman." 

All the traditional activities of an Enlisted Dining Out will be featured. Some such traditions are the Grog Bowl, rules of the mess, completing an obstacle course before entering the hall and engaging in camaraderie. 

"The Enlisted Dining Out is an opportunity to gather as the enlisted corps, celebrate being enlisted, and celebrate some of our traditions and customs," said Chief Master Sgt. Steve Sargent, 341st Space Wing command chief. "Many people have a misunderstanding that it's a very stuffy formal dinner but it is far from it. It's a lot of fun. I think people will be pleasantly surprised. 

"For the folks that went last year, I know they had a good time and I'm sure they'll be returning. For those who have never experienced it and are reluctant to come, I invite them to open their mind, and come and have a good time." 

Many activities will be set up to ensure full enjoyment of the evening. 

"To give you a snapshot of what to expect, you'll know you're in for something different the moment you arrive on site," Chief Sargent said. "Just in order to gain access to the banquet hall, you will have to negotiate an obstacle course. You'll have to experience that for yourself but it is unlike any obstacle course you'll ever negotiate, and it promises to be a lot of fun." 

After the obstacle course, it's time for mingling, meeting as many people as possible and having a good time - but there are rules that must be followed. 

"Once you arrive inside the banquet hall, you'll discover camaraderie by exchanging pleasantries with your fellow Airmen in a very relaxed social environment," Chief Sargent said. "But a word of caution - there are rules of the mess. 

"The rules of the mess are there to add to the fun and frivolity of the evening. So for example, one of the rules will be 'thou shall not place your beverage on the table before the appointed hour,' so if someone observes you breaking that rule, you'll have to pay the price for that later in the program." 

By paying the price, he means being sent to the Grog Bowl. 

"One of our traditions is the Grog," Chief Sargent said. "This is an unpleasant concoction that, should you have an infraction of the mess, someone will send you to, or at least request you be sent to, the Grog Bowl. So at the whim of the president, who happens to be me, those who break the rules will pay the price." 

The main attraction for the evening though, is hearing the guest speaker. Robert Gaylor is the fifth CMSAF and simply hearing him speak is worth the price of the ticket, Chief Sargent said. 

"If you've never heard him speak, you are in for a real treat," Chief said. "He is entertaining and he has a great message to send." 

Along with all the traditional activities, there is still a ceremonial part of the event which includes the foundation for our heritage and some traditions. There will be the posting of the colors, POW ceremony and drill team performance. 

"It's all built around the foundation of having fun," Chief Sargent said. "It's a nice blend of the pure enjoyment of the evening, with the traditions and ceremonies we all remember."
As far as why the uniform for the dining out will be ABUs or BDUs, Chief Sargent said the reason is to make this a warrior-focused dining out, as opposed to a Combat Dining In. 

"When I was first approached, I was asked if we could do a Combat Dining In," he said. "Unfortunately those have a reputation that includes super-soakers, water balloon fights and the occasional wet roll slinging across the banquet hall. In this case, I didn't want to go to that extreme, so I compromised and we are allowing the wear of the ABU or BDU to make it a more casual and fun event." 

For those who haven't experienced an Enlisted Dining Out, Chief Sargent encourages them to come be a part of the enlisted family. 

The evening's menu will consist of steamship round or wild rice stuffed chicken breast, salad, roasted potatoes, rice, bow tie pasta, green beans almandine, rolls and dessert. Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m., following a social hour beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Attire for military personnel is ABUs or BDUs, and civilian attire is "Montana casual" and jeans are allowed. 

Free child care will also be provided for children six weeks old to 12 years old. Children must be up to date on immunizations to be eligible. Contact the Child Development Center at 731-2417 for more information. 

The deadline to get tickets is April 3, and tickets are available through unit representatives or the base protocol office. Tickets are $13 for club members and $15 for non-members. There will be a cash bar only. 

To volunteer to set up or tear down the event, contact Senior Master Sgt. Sarah Motherway, 341st Security Forces Group operations superintendent and chairperson for the Enlisted Dining Out, at 731-7644. 

Rules of the Mess
The following is a list of rules under which the mess will be conducted. They are designed to conform to tradition and promote levity. Violators of these rules are subject to the wrath and mischievousness of Mister and Madam Vice. All assigned penalties will be carried out before the membership.

1. Thou shalt enter thy facility through the appointed entry and follow entry procedures.
2. Thou shalt arrive at least 10 minutes before the appointed hour for the "Call to Order."
3. Thou shalt not sit before the dinner bells are rung.
4. Thou shalt not place any drink on the banquet table before dinner bells are rung.
5. Thou shalt make every effort to meet all guests.
6. Thou shalt move to the mess when thee hears the call of order and remain standing until seated by the President.
7. Thou shalt not leave the mess whilst convened. Military protocol overrides all calls of nature.
8. Thou shalt participate in all toasts unless thyself or they group is honored with a toast.
9. Thou shalt ensure that thy glass is always charged when toasting.
10. Thou shalt keep toasts and comments within the limits of good taste and mutual respect. Degrading or insulting remarks will be frowned upon by the membership. However, good natured needling is ENCOURAGED.
11. Thou shalt not murder the Queen's English.
12. Thou shalt not open the hangar doors (No shop talk).
13. Thou shalt consume thy meal in a manner becoming a gentleperson.
14. Thou shalt fall into disrepute with thy peers if thy uniform is not properly worn.
15. Thou shalt not laugh at ridiculously funny comments unless the President first shows approval by laughing.
16. Thou shalt express thy approval by tapping thy spoon on the table. Clapping of thy hands will not be tolerated.
17. Thou shalt not question the decisions of the President (No haggling or quibbling).
18. Thy bar will be closed during dinner.
19. When the mess adjourns, thou shall rise and wait for the President and guests to leave.
20. Thou shalt enjoy thyself to thy fullest.

Grog Bowl Procedures
1. Halt centered on the head table and salute the President.
2. Perform an "about face."
3. Fill a cup full of grog and toast "To the mess."
4. Drain the contents of the cup without removing it from the lips.
5. Invert the cup over his or her head to show it is empty.
6. Place the drained cup in the trash receptacle.
7. Complete another "about face."
8. Salute the President.
9. Return to his or her seat.
(With the exception of the toast "To the Mess" the violator is not permitted to speak during this process.)