SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Nearly 160 Airmen and guests from the 916th Air Refueling Wing came together this past weekend to herald the old and welcome the new.
The wing's Dining Out and Induction Banquet allowed members to celebrate a year's worth of amazing accomplishments, while at the same time introducing the wing's newest non-commissioned officers and chief master sergeants in a formal ceremony.
"The awards you have won are an outstanding tribute to all of your hard work," said Col. Randy Ogden, wing commander. "Out of all of the wings out there, you truly are the best."
The event was held at the Goldsboro Country Club and Air Force Reserve Command Chief Master Sgt. Dale Badgett was the keynote speaker.
He told the crowd gathered about the expectations for those being inducted that evening. "We are asking them from this day forward to take on a lot of challenges. They are going to be at a level which some of them haven't experienced before," he said. "They are now not only concerned with themselves, but as leaders, they are there to take care of others."
Twenty staff sergeants and 11 master sergeants were inducted. Three new chief master sergeants were also recognized.
"You don't settle for what you have now, no matter how good it is. You are always moving to push the envelope," said Command Chief Badgett. "True leaders are never satisfied with what they've got and are always pushing themselves."
Several guests from the local community were present as well, and 4th Air Force Command Chief Patricia Thornton also made the long trip from California to be a part of the festivites.
And festive it was.
With Lt. Col. Brian Davis, 77th Air Refueling Squadron, and Lt. Col. Ann Brown, 916th Mission Support Group, serving as Mr. and Madame Vice to keep the evening flowing, the two had the crowd in stitches most of the evening with their comedic banter and actions.
At one point, Lt. Col. Brown sent the entire Security Forces Squadron to the grog bowl as punishment for not informing Col. Ogden of a ribbon problem, and admist a little in-fighting over whose responsibility it was. Nearly 15 Airmen descended on the grog at one time....a 916th Dining Out first. The grog is a mixture of undefinable liquid nastiness used as punishment for disregarding the orderly rules of the mess during such a ceremony.
At another point, Lt. Col. Davis decided to don his gas mask after calling out his partner for bodily eruptions...all in gest of course.
The evening was formal and fun, filled with celebration for a job well done.
A Combat Dining In is being discussed for next year.