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Belle-Scott Enlisted Dinner: Celebrating 75 years of community partnerships

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Shelby Rapert, 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  

The Belle-Scott Committee marked a milestone, March 20, 2025, celebrating its 75th annual Enlisted Dinner in honor of Scott Air Force Base’s enlisted corps at the St. Clair Country Club, Belleville, Illinois.

Airmen from the 375th Air Mobility Wing pose for a photo at the 75th Belle-Scott Enlisted Dinner at the St. Clair Country Club, Belleville Illinois, March 20, 2025. The dinner was attended by Airmen from the 375th AMW and the Belleville community to celebrate the bond that the base shares with the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelby Rapert)

Airmen from the 375th Air Mobility Wing pose for a photo at the 75th Belle-Scott Enlisted Dinner at the St. Clair Country Club, Belleville Illinois, March 20, 2025. The dinner was attended by Airmen from the 375th AMW and the Belleville community to celebrate the bond that the base shares with the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelby Rapert)
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Since its establishment in 1949, the Belle-Scott Committee has been partnered with Scott AFB, making it one of the longest-standing support group partnerships for a military installation.


The night began with a time-honored tradition—a receiving line where nearly 65 enlisted service members were welcomed by Belle-Scott Committee members and senior leaders from the 375th Air Mobility Wing.


Attendees enjoyed dinner, networking, and comments from Swansea Mayor Mike Leopold, Belleville Mayor Patty Gregory, and St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern, who all expressed the community's deep gratitude to Scott AFB's enlisted corps for their service and sacrifice.


“Scott Air Force Base is part of our community and part of the DNA of the county,” said Kern. “We’ve been neighbors for a long time and will be for many more years.”

U.S. Air Force Col. John Poole, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, provides remarks at the 75th Belle-Scott Enlisted Dinner at the St. Clair Country Club, Belleville Illinois, March 20, 2025.“Through the highs and lows of the last seven decades, the Belle-Scott Committee has been firmly grounded in its commitment to supporting Scott AFB,” said Poole. “You enable us to deliver hope, freedom and victory anywhere in the world…thank you for your continued support.”(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelby Rapert)

U.S. Air Force Col. John Poole, 375th Air Mobility Wing commander, provides remarks at the 75th Belle-Scott Enlisted Dinner at the St. Clair Country Club, Belleville Illinois, March 20, 2025.“Through the highs and lows of the last seven decades, the Belle-Scott Committee has been firmly grounded in its commitment to supporting Scott AFB,” said Poole. “You enable us to deliver hope, freedom and victory anywhere in the world…thank you for your continued support.”(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelby Rapert)
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Col. John Poole, 375th AMW commander, spoke on behalf of Team Scott.


“Through the highs and lows of the last seven decades, the Belle-Scott Committee has been firmly grounded in its commitment to supporting Scott,” said Poole. “You enable us to deliver hope, freedom, and victory anywhere in the world…thank you for your continued support.”


Chief Master Sgt. Vernon Smith, 375th Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, provided the Enlisted Response, speaking on behalf of the Scott AFB enlisted corps.


“Thank you for putting action into your words of appreciation and showing us you care,” said Smith. “Your support makes Scott AFB not just a place of duty, but a place of belonging.”


U.S. Army Veteran John Harryman and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Tom Tribout share a moment while being recognized for their prior service at the 75th Belle-Scott Enlisted Dinner at the St. Clair Country Club, Belleville Illinois, March 20, 2025. When Harryman asked, “When you were over there, did you ever think we’d end up here?” Tribout said, “I remember every second like it was yesterday - I am just happy to be here today.”(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelby Rapert)

U.S. Army Veteran John Harryman and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Tom Tribout share a moment while being recognized for their prior service at the 75th Belle-Scott Enlisted Dinner at the St. Clair Country Club, Belleville Illinois, March 20, 2025. When Harryman asked, “When you were over there, did you ever think we’d end up here?” Tribout said, “I remember every second like it was yesterday - I am just happy to be here today.”(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Shelby Rapert)
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Later in the evening, the spotlight turned to two local veterans. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Tom Tribout, who saw combat action during a 13-month tour in Vietnam, and U.S. Army veteran John Harryman, a Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star recipient, were recognized for their bravery and service during the Vietnam War.


Between applause, Harryman looked over and asked, “when you were over there, did you ever think we’d end up here?”


Tribout looked around the room, taking in the appreciation from civilian and military members alike.


“I remember every second like it was yesterday,” he said, chuckling. “I am just happy to be here today.”


Former Belle-Scott Committee chairman and member of the executive board, Jack Schmitt was also recognized for forty-four years of support to the organization and Scott AFB. Mayor Leopold presented him with the Golden Eagle Award.


For 75 years, The Belle-Scott Enlisted Dinner has been more than just an event - it’s a symbol of the local community’s commitment of support for Team Scott’s enlisted members and the U.S. Air Force.