Laughlin's first night 'out 'on the town in 15 years

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Sara Csurilla
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  "To the mess," yelled the first unlucky protocol perpetrator of the night before he downed a cup full of the unknown liquids from the grog bowl.

After being the first member from Laughlin to be sent to the grog bowl during a wing dining out in 15 years, he turned the cup upside down on his head and then took his seat only to watch more than half the members of the mess visit the grog as well.

This was only the beginning, April 25 when more than 500 Laughlin and Del Rio community members came out to Del Rio's Civic Center to take part in one of the Air Force's most deeply-rooted traditions -- a wing dining out.

The dining out was lauded by the Air Force Chief of Staff and the night's guest speaker, Gen. Norton Schwartz, as 'outstanding.'

"The event really was a major success on many levels," Maj. Casey Ratliff, 47th FTW dining out project officer."The interaction between Laughlin Airmen and the Del Rio community members during the planning, fundraising and decoration phases left a very positive and memorable impression that will last for years to come."

One significant piece of the puzzle that eventually came together to shape the memorable night and to set the tone for the entire event was the dining out's theme.

"We chose the theme, celebrating generations of America's airpower, to remind people that each generation has played a pivotal role in shaping what our Air Force has become today," said Major Ratliff.

As people walked through the doors of the civic center that once resembled a high school gym, eyes lit up and jaws dropped as they focused on the new look. With fabric draped walls, silk dressed tables garnished with tulips and lighting that made it more like a cathedral rather than a recreation center for afterschool activities.

"I thought it was one of the most incredible events I'd ever been to," said Efrain Valdez, Del Rio mayor. "But I feel guilty, I feel like I owe Laughlin something for decorating our civic center so nice."