Food, games, prizes draw crowd to Enlisted Appreciation Night

Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- The scent of pizza and the sound of laughter filled the air as Airmen and their guests played several rounds of blackjack and bingo. From time to time, shouts of joy rang out as another ticket number brought a prize to someone's pocket.
Soon it was time for the auction, and the auctioneer called bids at a fever pitch to keep up with all the bidders.
Such were the events of the 29th Annual Enid Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Enlisted Appreciation Night Saturday at the Vance Club.
More than $20,000 in cash and prizes were donated by local and base organizations for the event. Prizes included 27-inch televisions, digital cameras, radios, camping equipment and freezers full of meat. The cash and items were either given as door prizes or were part of the auction. No money left any Airman's pocket for the evening, as refreshments were free and his or her auction money was won during the blackjack or bingo games.
Senior Airman Raul D'Souza, 71st Medical Operations Squadron, even left with more money than he arrived with when he received a cash door prize.
"This event is always so much fun," Airman D'Souza said. "I'm really appreciative to all those who make this event happen each year. It was even a little different this time; there was more organization, more prizes, and it seemed like everyone got something, because they had cool grab bag prizes for those who weren't able to bid on anything.
Overall, the event was a success, but of course I'm also happy because I walked away with an additional $250."
Supporters of the event are just glad to offer a good time.
"We do this for one reason," said Ron Diener, co-chairman of the event. "We want to salute the enlisted people and let them know we appreciate their service to our country. I hope we accomplished this goal and everyone enjoyed the evening."