Inaugural SNCO Dining-In set for April 2 Published Feb. 23, 2016 By TSgt. Stephen Winn 439th AW Public Affairs WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- Something’s been missing at Westover -- a specializedesprit de corps event. While active-duty bases hold annualenlisted dining outs, the last Patriot Wing event of this typewas the April 2005 Combat Dining-In.SMSgt. Gary Smith decided he was going to do somethingabout this particular Patriot Wing shortfall. SMSgt. Smith,a veteran 337th Airlift Squadron loadmaster and Top3 member, got the idea when he attended a recent seniornoncommissioned officer/ chief petty officer Dining-Inheld in Connecticut.“The number of retirees that attend the event year after yearand put on the uniform is impressive,” he said. “The SNCO/CPO Dining-In is an opportunity to foster ceremony,tradition, and camaraderie within an organization.”So the date has been set -- the Westover SNCO/CPODining-In will be held at the Log Cabin Restaurant inHolyoke, Mass., April 2.“Because this is a formal dining-in, spouses cannot attendunless they too are military,” said SMSgt. Smith. “Mess dress,semi-formal or appropriate attire for other services will beworn by active military. Retirees may wear the appropriatemilitary uniform or a business suit.”The Top 3 will sponsor the event.Any infractions during the mess will not be the traditionaltrip to the “grog bowl,” but a fine will be imposed of $1 forwhatever is deemed appropriate by the president or vice.All fees collected will be donated to a local, charitableorganization as yet to be determined.“The enlisted are the backbone of the military. TheSNCOs and CPOs bear the responsibility in mentoringand passing along that importance to the junior enlisted,”said SMSgt. Smith. “It’s hard to describe the atmospherethat you experience at a SNCO/CPO dining-In, other thanthat it is extremely rewarding and most memorable.”For more information about the dining-in, contact any unitfirst sergeant or email SMSgt. Smith at gary.smith.23@us.af.mil