2012 Enlisted Dining Out: Back to Basics

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Charles V. Rivezzo
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Dyess' 2012 Enlisted Dining Out will be held Aug. 10 at the 2-Bay hangar beginning at 6 p.m. This year's theme is "Back to Basics" and features Air Combat Command's Command Chief Master Sgt. Richard Parsons, as the guest speaker.

This marks Dyess' 29th year of holding the Enlisted Dining Out, a variant of the dining in, which dates back hundreds of years when militaries held feasts to honor victories and unit achievements. Today, dining outs are formal events used to strengthen unit esprit de corps, build friendships and working relationships, and create an atmosphere of good fellowship away from work.

"The Enlisted Dining Out is rooted deeply in our military heritage," said Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Zahn, 39th Airlift Squadron and EDO coordinator. "This year at Dyess' 29th annual Enlisted Dining Out, we reflect back to basics with pride and honor. We remember the time we were taught professionalism, honor, discipline, integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do. Keeping in mind if we stay focused in these traits we never have to go back to basic."

One of the most looked-forward-to aspects of the meal, also known as the "mess," is pointing out fellow servicemembers' violations of the rules of the mess and sending them to the "grog" bowl.

Participants of the grog must contribute one dollar to the grog fund every time they appear. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of grog will be available.

There will be a display of military memorabilia as well as a B-1 Bomber and C-130 Super Hercules on static display.

Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Lindsey, 7th Bomb Wing command chief, will be the president of the mess, with Master Sgt. Anthony Cruz, 317th Operations Support Squadron, serving as "mister vice," and, Master Sgt. Bernadette Ross, 7th Logistics Readiness Squadron, as the "madam vice."

Dress for the occasion is Airman Battle Uniforms, flight suits or heritage uniforms, civilian is casual.

The event begins with a social hour at 6 p.m. and the mess convenes at 6:50 p.m. For more information, contact your unit's first sergeant.

Rules of the Mess
The following is a list of rules under which the mess will be conducted. They are designed to conform to tradition and promote levity. Violators of these rules are subject to the wrath and mischievousness of Mister and Madam Vice. All assigned penalties will be carried out before the membership.

1. Thou shalt enter thy facility through the appointed entry and follow entry procedures.
2. Thou shalt arrive at least 10 minutes before the appointed hour for the "Call to Order."
3. Thou shalt not sit before the dinner bells are rung.
4. Thou shalt not place any drink on the banquet table before dinner bells are rung.
5. Thou shalt make every effort to meet all guests.
6. Thou shalt move to the mess when thee hears the call of order and remain standing until seated by the President.
7. Thou shalt not leave the mess whilst convened. Military protocol overrides all calls of nature.
8. Thou shalt participate in all toasts unless thy self or they group is honored with a toast.
9. Thou shalt ensure that thy glass is always charged when toasting.
10. Thou shalt keep toasts and comments within the limits of good taste and mutual respect. Degrading or insulting remarks will be frowned upon by the membership. However, good natured needling is ENCOURAGED.
11. Thou shalt not murder the Queen's English.
12. Thou shalt not open the hangar doors (No shop talk).
13. Thou shalt consume thy meal in a manner becoming a gentleperson.
14. Thou shalt fall into disrepute with thy peers if thy uniform is not properly worn.
15. Thou shalt not laugh at ridiculously funny comments unless the President first shows approval by laughing.
16. Thou shalt express thy approval by tapping thy spoon on the table. Clapping of thy hands will not be tolerated.
17. Thou shalt not question the decisions of the President (No haggling or quibbling).
18. Thy bar will be closed during dinner.
19. When the mess adjourns, thou shall rise and wait for the President and guests to leave.
20. Thou shalt enjoy thyself to thy fullest.

Grog Bowl Procedures
1. Halt centered on the head table and salute the President.
2. Perform an "about face."
3. Fill a cup full of grog and toast "To the mess."
4. Drain the contents of the cup without removing it from the lips.
5. Invert the cup over his or her head to show it is empty.
6. Place the drained cup in the trash receptacle.
7. Complete another "about face."
8. Salute the President.
9. Return to his or her seat.
(With the exception of the toast "To the Mess" the violator is not permitted to speak during this process.)