Combat Dining In coming Sept. 21 Published Sept. 6, 2012 By Sarah Olaciregui 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- On Sept. 21, the Aero Club Hangar will be transformed into a combat zone of sorts. Attendees will be greeted with camouflage netting, piles of sandbags and more. Low crawling will be required, and the occasional dodging of water balloons should also be expected. All of this will be, of course, for Hanscom's next Combat Dining In. Dining Ins are a time-honored military tradition. Bringing an atmosphere of camaraderie, good fellowship and social rapport, Hanscom's Combat Dining In promises this and more. "We hope as many Airmen as possible are able to make it to this event," said Col. Lester A. Weilacher, 66th Air Base Group commander. "Our aim is to enhance esprit de corps, provide a morale boost and, just for a moment, lighten the load of demanding day-to-day work." The event will begin with check in at the hangar entrance at 5 p.m. All active duty, active guard reserve and retirees are invited to attend. Barbecue chicken quarters, rice pilaf, tossed salad, baked beans and rolls will be on the menu along with water, soda and an assortment of other beverages. Entertainment will be provided by the Band of Liberty. Attendees are encouraged to wear old ABU pants and will receive a commemorative T-shirt and mug upon arrival. In honor of POW/MIA Day, a tribute to all prisoners of war and missing in action will be a part of the ceremony. The event will officially get underway at 6:30 p.m. when Col. Juan Gaud, 66th Air Base Group deputy commander, steps in as president of the mess. Capt. Danielle Reese and Senior Master Sgt. Kathleen McCool will serve as madam vice presidents. "This military-only event will allow us to come together to honor our heritage and get to know one another better in a relaxed environment," said Gaud. "But don't get too relaxed. Be aware of pranksters, water launchers and more." Event organizers are looking for volunteers to help set up and tear down. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Capt. Chris James at 781-225-1834 or Master Sgt. Shon Teicheira at 781-225-1834. The cost for the event will be $15 for E-5 and below and $20 for E-6 and above. Only 350 tickets will be sold so those interested are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Ticket points of contact are listed below. 66 ABG - Tech. Sgt. James Bunker at 781-225-1307 66 MDS - Master Sgt. Stephen Willis at 781-225-6290 66 SFS - Master Sgt. Pattie Hassan at 781-225-5608 AFLCMC/HB - Capt. Matthew Laney at 781-225-6727 AFLCMC/HB - Lt. Michael Bolton 781-225-9106 AFLCMC/HN - Capt. Christopher James 781-225-1834 AFLCMC/HS - Maj. Kellie Brownlee at 781-225-0644 AFLCMC-all others - Senior Master Sgt. Gene Brandt at 781-225-5515 319 RCS - Senior Master Sgt. Jason Dahlquist at 781-225-6566