Air Force Ball celebrates 60 years of history, deeds

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stephen Delgado
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Come one, come all to celebrate six decades of Air Force history and accomplishments. 

The Air Force Ball is coming to the Glendale Civic Center Sept. 15 and will feature fine cuisine, a guest speaker, entertainment and dancing. The 2007 Air Force Ball theme is Heritage to Horizons. 

The evening jubilee will commence at 6 p.m. with cocktails. The program of events is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. and will include a sit-down dinner featuring three preselected menu choices. 

The featured speaker for the evening is former Luke wing commander, Maj. Gen. Philip Breedlove. General Breedlove is now the vice director for Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Staff, the Pentagon, according to Master Sgt. Richard LePage, 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant and Air Force Ball publicity chairman. 

That's not all; the 11-piece band, Rhythm Edition, will take the guests through some musical history and will include songs from the 1950s to the present. Their show is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. and will also include dance tunes. 

Furthermore, the Air Force Ball will offer attendees the opportunity to relax and have
an evening of camaraderie with friends and also meet new people from the base and
community, Sergeant LePage said. 

Ticket prices are per person and based on rank. Tickets for E-1 to E-4 are $10, E-5 to
E-6 are $20 and E-7 to E-9 are $30. Officer and civilian employee ticket prices are also
$30. Dress for military members is mess dress or semi-formal and for civilians, black
tie for men and formal gowns for women. 

Buses will be available to transport guests to and from the event to help reduce parking congestion. Buses are scheduled to leave the Desert Star Club at 5:45 p.m. People can return after the event via the bus on a rotation basis. 

Despite the obvious reasons to attend, Sergeant LePage said it will be a great opportunity for younger members of the wing to learn about Air Force history, heritage and traditions. 

"Many of the younger people at Luke work hard at their jobs, but know little about the history of the Air Force," Sergeant LePage said. "This ball is to celebrate 60 years of Air Force heritage and provide a great time and learning experience."