Belle-Scott Committee celebrates 66th annual Enlisted Dinner event

The Enlisted Response was provided by Tech. Sgt. Jibri Perry, 375th Force Support Squadron, Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard superintendent. He shared the story of his enlistment and the words of wisdom his mother shared 1) don’t embarrass me and 2) enunciate. When he learned he was selected to provide the enlisted response and he went home to Indiana over the weekend to tell his mother, her words of advice remained true 1) don’t embarrass me and 2) enunciate. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman Daniel Garcia)

Belle-Scott Committee celebrates 66th annual Enlisted Dinner event

Published March 16, 2016
375th Air Mobility Wing

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Belle-Scott Committee, one of the nation's oldest civic support groups to a military installation, celebrated its 66th annual Enlisted Dinner March 10 in honor of the Scott AFB's enlisted corps.

As tradition, the evening began with a receiving line where civilian Belle-Scott Committee members and senior leaders from the 375th Air Mobility Wing, the 932d Airlift Wing, and the 126th Air Refueling Wing, formally welcomed the enlisted servicemembers to Fisher's Restaurant, Belleville.

The event included dinner, an appreciation video, and comments from St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern, Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert, and Belle-Scott civilian chair Jay Tebbe who all expressed the community's deep gratitude to Scott AFB's enlisted corps for their service and sacrifice.

Col Laura Lenderman, 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander, spoke on behalf Team Scott and thanked the Belle-Scott Committee and surrounding thanked the surrounding community for their continued support to Scott AFB and its servicemembers.

Tech Sgt. Jibri Perry, 375th Force Support Squadron, provided the enlisted response, speaking on behalf of SAFB's enlisted corps saying, "Although uncertain of where our journey may lead, we raised our hand and the took the oath willingly, without hesitation.

"We are proud to wear this uniform. We are proud to serve and defend this great nation. We do not seek fanfare, attention, or applause for what we do.

"Our humility often keeps us hidden from the American public's view, so we appreciate the Belle-Scott Committee for bringing us out into the light this evening and allowing us to share our stories with you. Thank you for taking the time to recognize and honor us."

As current active duty, Guard and Reserve servicemembers were recognized at the beginning of the event, four local veterans were recognized at its conclusion.

The four veterans included three who served during WWII, Norman Becherer, Barney Metz and Carl Grumley and retired LTC Richard Anshus, an Army West Point graduate and a former POW during the Vietnam War.