Photo By Linda Welz | U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Melissa A. Coburn, third from the left at the top, 452nd Air...... read more read more
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the 452nd Air Mobility Wing hosted its first virtual military ball using an online video conferencing service on Nov. 21 in compliance with health guidelines. Brig. Gen. Melissa A. Coburn, 452 AMW and base commander, welcomed more than 100 attendees to the “Dancing Through the Decades” celebration by reflecting on a year filled with unprecedented accomplishments.
“Throughout 2020, we have had to trail-blaze, innovate, adapt and overcome,” said Coburn. “Team March has remained strong, and we have continued carrying out our nation’s business with excellence.”
Recounting the base’s accomplishments for the year, Coburn first highlighted the support provided at the onset of the pandemic.
“We were on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, starting this past January, when we were the first to assist American citizens during the repatriation mission from Wuhan, China. Our own Reserve medical units and Guardsman were among the first to be sent to civilian hospitals throughout the nation,” said Coburn.
Coburn also highlighted the domestic support missions that service members from the base accomplished throughout California. Guardsman of the 163rd Attack Wing provided humanitarian support in response to growing civil unrest while firefighters of the March Field Fire Emergency Services deployed to fight ravaging wildfires across the state.
“This year has been a whirlwind,” said Coburn. “Team March was first on so many things, ready to help our nation, ready to help our communities and being proud mission partners.”
To celebrate these accomplishments, Coburn made it a point to preserve the military ball tradition amidst the restrictions put in place in response to the pandemic. The base had already canceled its biennial air show and its annual family picnic. It had also initiated telework and other no-contact programs to comply with health guidelines.
At Coburn’s direction, the 452nd Public Affairs staff and the Team March Military Ball committee worked together to coordinate and produce the event. Guardsman, reservists, active duty service members and their families, as well as honorary commanders and local civic leaders were all invited to join the festivities.
Linda Welz, the 452nd PA operations chief, said, “This has been one of the most challenging yet most rewarding military balls I’ve helped organize in the 25 years I’ve been a part of Team March. Everyone’s hard work really paid off and the evening ran smoothly.”
Senior Master Sgt. William Griffey, 452nd Maintenance Group, and military ball chair, was the master of ceremonies for the evening’s official program. March’s Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard presented the service flags and paid tribute to all service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action. The March Choir sang the national anthem and Col. Richard Givens, 452 AMW chaplain, gave the invocation. Coburn’s remarks recounting the base’s accomplishments for the year closed out the official ceremonies.
Attendees virtually navigated through the tapestry of breakout rooms, each dedicated to specified activities. Within the dozen breakout rooms, guests could be seen watching live performances by and interacting with magician/comedians, mingling with other team members, dancing (to keep with the theme) to live streaming music, learning about cocktails with professional mixologists, and taking group selfies. Laughter and enjoyment seemed to be the thread that weaved its way in and out of each of those rooms.
“It was awesome! I had such a great time, everything was perfect,” said Chief Master Sgt. Rosiline Ratliff, 452nd Mission Support Group superintendent. “This event definitely increased morale and gave everyone an opportunity to come together to laugh, dance, and see teammates.”
Events like the military ball help to develop esprit de corps and contribute to unit resiliency by providing a venue where service members can have fun together.
“It’s these fleeting moments that we have together, that we need to cherish,” said Coburn. “The biggest takeaway from all of this is that we will endure, we will succeed, and we will do it together.”
| Date Taken: | 12.07.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 12.14.2020 12:54 |
| Story ID: | 384390 |
| Location: | MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 79 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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