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Inter-Service Enlisted Dining-Out is Oct. 21

  • Published
  • By Steven Zalesky
  • Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 872
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The emergence of Dining-ins dates back all the way to pre-Christian Roman legions and second century Viking warlords. Dining-outs are newer because they invite spouses and guests to attend. 

Team Scott will celebrate its 21st Inter-Service Enlisted Dining-Out Oct. 16. The theme for this year is, "Together, We Serve." 

The event will feature all of the traditional activities including the grog bowl, rules of the mess and camaraderie, as well as guest speaker, Army Command Sergeant Major Tomás Hawkins, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command. 

"The Inter-Service Enlisted Dining-Out is an opportunity to gather as the enlisted corps, celebrate being a joint enlisted force and celebrate some of our traditions and customs," said Master Sgt. ReChell Hansen, Dining-Out committee co-chairperson. "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." 

Something unique for people who have never been to a dining-out is the grog bowl. The grog bowl is prepared by the planning committee and used for "punishment" for those who violate the rules of the mess. 

"This is an unpleasant concoction that, should you have an infraction of the mess, someone will request you be sent to, the grog bowl," said Sergeant Kari Bolin, U.S. Transportation Command. "The President will make a final determination on who breaks the rules of the mess and may 'reward' the violator with a trip to the Grog." 

This year's event, hosted by the Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 872, marks the 21st straight year in bringing together all joint enlisted members from Team Scott and the surrounding St. Louis area. 

"The purpose of the dining-out is to kick back, relax, eat good food and have fun with fellow enlisted members of all ranks and service branches," said Senior Master Sgt. Gary Swanson, Dining-Out committee co-chairman. 

For more information, contact Senior Master Sgt. Gary Swanson at 229-4400 or Master Sgt. ReChell Hansen at 256-1003.