Lights, camera, action: Airmen attend star-studded military ball

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandra Sandoval
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale Airmen and members of the local community walked down the red carpet April 25 for the Holiday in Dixie Military Ball 2009 at the Horseshoe Casino's Riverdome. 

The 8th Air Force, 2d Bomb Wing and 917th Wing hosted the military appreciation festivity themed "Military in the Movies--Strategic Air Command to Star Wars." 

Lt. Gen. Robert J. Elder, Jr., 8th Air Force Commander, and his wife, Bess, came up with the theme and after proposing it, received a positive unanimous vote from the entire military ball committee. 

"Last year was the first year we held it off base-- to try something new," said Capt. Joel Jorgensen, 8th Air Force numbered Air Force evaluator. "It was such a success that this year's committee decided to push for it again." 

Guests blindly made their way down the red carpet as flashes from the hired paparazzi lit up the dim ball room. Two military spouses reported the action on the red carpet through a live television feed which was played on large screens (is that correct)in the Riverdome for all guests to watch. Although the reporters on the red carpet were hired to play up the theme of the night, many guests were not expecting to be stopped and asked questions. 

"The funniest part from the live feed was when someone was asked the question, 'Who are you wearing?'" said retired Col. John S. Odom, Jr. chairmen of the military ball committee. "A gentleman answered 'AAFES' with a confused look on his faced!" 

Once inside the Riverdome, guestswere able to take their seats and enjoy a buffet-style dinner. with hot and cold selections including fruit, salads and dessert. As Airmen and guests wined and dined, they were entertained by the Ceremonial Brass Quintets of the 531st Air Force Band and Earshot Graffiti, a local musical entertainment group. 

A short film, produced by Col. West Anderson, 8th Air Force chief of staff, and Lt. Col. Jim Noetzel, 608th Air Operations Command, pieced together an 18-minute movie clip of famous military movie snippets. 

Guest speakers also addressed the audience and discussed the history of the Holiday in Dixie Military Ball. 

The ball began from the decision of local merchants and civic leaders in Shreveport. The first festival was held in 1949. The initial Holiday in Dixie Military Ball was a large five-day pageant staged with a cast of hundreds at the State Fair stadium. The pageant was called "Salute to the Southland" and depicted the early history of Shreveport. In 1950, the theme of the festival changed to celebrate the signing of the Louisiana Purchase, which occurred April 30, 1803. Today the festival celebrates the arrival of spring and the Louisiana Purchase. 

After the guest speakers finished their turn at the microphone, Colonel Odom announced General Elder's retirement in July. The audience gave the general a round of applause in recognition of his hard work and dedication to the Air Force. 

"It was nice watching everyone stand up and applaud for General Elder," said Colonel Odom. "The ovation showed we support him in everything we have done for us and continue to do so when he leaves." 

The four-hour event concluded with General Elder playing on the drums and guests stepping out on the dance floor. 

Guests were given commemorative coins as souvenirs of the evening.