A smile and a rhyme makes for a great time

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  More than 300 Active-Duty Airmen from the 5th Bomb Wing gathered to take part in a Dining In held at the Jimmy Doolittle Center here, Nov. 16.

It was a formal night of companionship for 5th BW personnel as they socialized and took a break from the often long hours of work.

For some it served as a night to bond with fellow co-workers and meet new people throughout the wing with distinct duties and career fields.

The event included special guest Maj. Gen. Stephen W. Wilson, Eighth Air Force commander, who addressed the members at the dinner and thanked them for their continued support in everything they've accomplished within the last year.

From successfully completing numerous exercises and inspections, to looking out for one another during the historic Souris River Flood, he said he was pleased to see what a special group of Airmen are stationed here. The general also visited with Airmen earlier in the week and held a wing all-call to reemphasize the importance of Airmen and their contribution to the mission.

Camaraderie between the Airmen of the 5th BW was evident, as the events throughout the evening brought forth an atmosphere of smiles to no end. Rhymes and laughs from beginning to end by those who broke the numerous "mess rules" of the night made it a unique experience for Warbirds.

Overall, the event was well received said Master Sgt. Anthony Rogers, 5th Maintenance Squadron maintenance flight chief. Rogers was head of the committee in charge of organizing the event.

"It was outstanding to see everything come together successfully," said Rogers.

The committee spearheading the event met each week and coordinated piece by piece, everything from the dining layout to the cake and decorations.

"We had been working this event since August," said Rogers.

Through events like these, leadership can strengthen resiliency, build morale, and provide Airmen with an opportunity to create bonds of friendships that are crucial to the well being of the men and women serving at Minot Air Force Base.