Combat Dining-In turns into soaking success

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt Julie Briden-Garcia
  • 301st Fighter Wing
NAVAL AIR STATION JOINT RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, Texas --  It was more than gun-toting, balloon-slinging, water-soaking fun -- it was the Second Annual 301st Fighter Wing Combat Dining-In.

The 301st Fighter Wing Advisory Council pulled off another successful Combat Dining-In during July's Unit Training Assembly. 

Nearly 200 attended the event, held in Hangar 1404, wielding water-filled guns, balloons and table pitchers to douse the nearest, or farthest, target possible. 

Master Sgt. Jim Stevens, 301st Civil Engineer Squadron superintendent, prepared the feast of home-cooked brisket and sausage along with pounds of potato salad, cole slaw and baked beans. 

"This is more fun that I thought it would be," said Capt. David Bryant, 301st Communications Flight commander. "I'm planning to come back next time and get more people involved. They just don't know what they're missing." 

The evening's event began with the necessary pomp and circumstance fit for the head table's entrance. The command post included. Maj. Lee Jones as Mr. President; Lt. Gen. John Bradley, Air Force Reserve Command commander and guest speaker.; Col. Tommy Williams, 301st FW vice commander; Col. Ken Bachelor, 457th Fighter Squadron commander; Lt. Col. Janet Slayton, 301st Mission Support Group acting commander; and Chief Master Sgt. Jack Mills, 301st FW Command Chief Master Sergeant. 

The next portion was honored by Master Sgt. Jerry Munoz, Sergeant-at-Arms, with his POW/MIA table presentations. Following this somber event, the mess tent was opened and enjoyed. 

"Wow, this is some of the best brisket I've ever tasted," commented Staff Sgt. Lin Estell, 301st Aerospace Medicine Squadron and Honor Guard member. Once again, filled to the brim with food and more water, participants enjoyed targeting a friend or boss during one of the wing's largest water battles to date. 

Completion of such an affair takes dedication and water squeegees and a lot of volunteers. Thanks to everyone who pitched-in and helped make this another great 301st wing memory.