The Grog Awaits

Second Lt. James Fisher, 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs officer, takes the grog obstacle course challenge at the combat dining-out held July 11, 2014, at Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. More than 300 Warriors of the North came together for a combat dining-out themed, “The History of the World’s Greatest Air Force,” complete with simple to extravagant combat uniforms, props, face paint, water balloons and water guns of all sizes. It had all the staples of a traditional combat dining-out, including water fights, food and music. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Susan L. Davis)

The Grog Awaits

Col. Robert Cook, 319th Air Base Wing vice commander (left), and Chief Master Sgt. David Duncan, 319th Air Base Wing command chief master sergeant, complete the grog obstacle course challenge at the combat dining-out held July 11, 2014, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. More than 300 Warriors of the North came together for a combat dining-out themed, “The History of the World’s Greatest Air Force,” complete with simple to extravagant combat uniforms, props, face paint, water balloons and water guns of all sizes. It had all the staples of a traditional combat dining-out, including water fights, food and music. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Susan L. Davis)

Feeding From the Forks

Members of the 319th Air Base Wing serve themselves at the combat dining-out held July 11, 2014, on Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. More than 300 Warriors of the North came together for a combat dining-out themed, “The History of the World’s Greatest Air Force,” complete with simple to extravagant combat uniforms, props, face paint, water balloons and water guns of all sizes. It had all the staples of a traditional combat dining-out, including water fights, food, music, and the infamous grog bowl and obstacle course. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Susan L. Davis)

Grand Forks hosts combat dining-out

Published July 15, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Susan L. Davis
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- More than 300 Warriors of the North came together the evening of July 11, 2014, for a combat dining-out themed, "The History of the World's Greatest Air Force."

The event was complete with simple to extravagant combat uniforms, props, face paint, water balloons and water guns of all sizes. It had all the staples of a traditional combat dining-out, including water fights, food, music, and the infamous grog bowl and obstacle course.

The tradition of a formal dinner to celebrate military victories as well as individual and unit achievements can be traced back centuries. From the legions of ancient Rome, to second-century Viking warlords, to the knights of King Arthur's court, warriors have commonly used the concept of sharing a meal together to bolster morale and strengthen the bonds they shared.

The custom eventually made its way into modern military circles with the advent of the officers' mess, and as time went on, the dinners became more formalized. The Air Force dining-in (exclusively for military members) custom likely began in the 1930s, with General "Hap" Arnold's "wing-dings." In recent years, the concept of the combat dining-in/out, in stark contrast to the formal dining-in/out, has picked up great popularity.

According to Senior Airman Kristina Romero, a career development technician with the 319th Force Support Squadron Military Personnel Flight, more important than the trappings of the event was its purpose: to bring Airmen from all ranks and backgrounds together for a night out to have fun, boost morale, and promote rapport and esprit de corps.

"I wanted to be a part of this event because I wanted to help improve morale on the base," she said. "I know a lot of Airmen have never been to an event like this one. I really wanted everyone to loosen up, step out of their ranks, and just have fun as Team Grand Forks."

Romero said she thought the event went very well.

"I think the event was amazing. I stopped at one point in the night and just looked around. Everyone, and I mean every single person, was smiling, laughing, and having fun! I felt like I was in a room full of care-free kids! Life is too short to be serious all the time."

She said she felt that the event was important because not only did it remind everyone in attendance that "We are the world's greatest air power, but it also reminded them to have fun."