The first visit was to the LAR (Light Armored Reconnaissance) static display. The cadets and seniors listened with rapt attention as the Marines from Echo company demonstrated the vehicle's capabilities.
The next stop was the parade ground where they practiced hard for pass and review up until lunch time. An early afternoon thunderstorm came as a mixed blessing as cadets were moved to the safety of the barracks and out of harms way. When it was safe the 9th squadron were bussed to the swimming pool for their turn, however the 10th squadron enjoyed a brief respite from their parade practice since the heat and humidity called for a black flag on base.
The entire Wing was moved to an auditorium at the Ball Center for the DDR (Drug Demand Reduction). The next thing on the agenda was for all cadets and seniors to get ready for the banquet. A late afternoon pop-up thunderstorm had just begun after the cadets reached the barracks and was threatening to ruin the party that everyone was looking forward to.
The uniform for the day was blues and the cadets used the extra time to look very sharp as they marched down to the buses which took them to the Marston Pavillion for the celebration.
There were several distinguished guests invited to the banquet and the cadets were looking very good and on their best behavior. A Grog bowl was the evening entertainment and is the traditional punishment for breaking the codes of the President of the Grog bowl or raising a toast to someone. For example, you could be sent to the bowl if you placed your elbows on the table. There are also rules on how you applaud -- You must tap your spoon on the table instead of clapping. There are several more rules that are used to maintain order during a Dining In and anyone breaking the rules were sent to the Grog bowl to partake of the brew.
The cadets, seniors and guests alike took part in the fun and had a very good time. The audience also got to see a preview of the videos, pictures and blog articles that the cadet PAOs had worked so hard to pull together during the week with guidance from the senior PAO staff.
The occasion was also a time to recognize excellence. Several awards were given out at the banquet. The results of the hard work during the week were as follows:
Honor Squadron: 10th
Honor Flight: Zulu
Honor Officer: J. Houston
Honor NCO: Riley
Honor Basic: Logel
Honor Support: Flanagan
...and finally the Spirit Flight was awarded to Yankee flight.
After the awards the banquet was declared closed and the cadets were quickly bussed back to the barracks since it was late and everyone needed to be up nice and early for the exciting events of the following day.
by C/CMSgt Micah Larson and C/CMSgt Tim Johnson with support from Capt. Paul Twiddy and Maj Conrad D'Cruz
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