Wolf Pack soaks up fun at Combat Dining-In

  • Published
  • By Capt. Sheryll Klinkel
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Wolf Pack members armed with water guns, water balloons and buckets of water gathered for a night of fun in Hangar 3 here at the Combat Dining-In Oct. 30.

More than 400 Wolf Pack members from all units and ranks attended the event to boost esprit de corps and honor military traditions.

"The history of the dining-in traces back to the Romans and Vikings," said Capt. Jason DeSon, 8th Fighter Wing judge advocate and "Mr. Vice." "The modern dining-in traditions began in the 18th Century with the British Army who formalized the rules of the mess, many of which are still practiced today."

Some traditions the dining-in followed included posting the colors, setting a POW/MIA table, toasting to the chain of command and the infamous grog bowl. The tradition of the grog bowl brought forward squadron commanders one by one, who presented, in rhyme, ingredients for the mysterious concoction known as the grog.

Attendees who violated rules of the mess were sent through a hostile obstacle course that ultimately led to a required drink from the grog.

The first violator was none other than Chief Master Sgt. James Sanders, 8th FW command chief, who violated rule No. 6, which prohibited members from "clapping thy hands". To support his fellow command chief, Chief Master Sgt. Scott Sippel, acting 7th Air Force command chief, accompanied his comrade to the grog.

Once the grog was closed, attendees feasted on grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and sides. Immediately after dinner, attendees were treated to a special guest speaker, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Remington, 7th Air Force commander and prior 80th Fighter Squadron commander.

"I want to talk about how special you are to Korea," said General Remington. "That's how special you are anywhere in the world, and don't you ever take that lightly."

"I know the Wolf Pack brings it," the general said to a cheering crowd, "and I want to talk to you about combat leadership."

The general's speech continued to address his most simple, basic and important leadership principles: know your job, know what your boss expects of you, be passionate about what you do, don't be afraid to take risks, trust your people to do the right thing and take responsibility to do the right thing.

The event ended with the general cutting the cake with the youngest Airman in attendance, Airman 1st Class Jared Bailey, 8th Security Forces Squadron.

"We had a great crowd; everyone was very enthusiastic," said Capt. Cory Helms, 8th Maintenance Group and event project officer. "It was the hard work of approximately 20 fantastic committee members who poured their hearts and souls into making the event a success."