Night of appreciation for Vance enlisted scheduled April 10 Published March 24, 2010 VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 44th annual Enlisted Appreciation Night is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Saturday, April 10, at the Vance Collocated Club. The evening is an opportunity for the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce to say thanks for the contributions the enlisted force makes at Vance, said George Pankonin, a co-chair of the event for the past six years. The night includes free food and beverages, games and a variety of prizes contributed by the local community. "The businesses in Enid really like to support the enlisted men and women at Vance," said Mr. Pankonin. "We'll begin the evening with free dinner and drinks for the enlisted members and their guests," said Mr. Pankonin. Dinner will be followed by games where attendees can win points. "Trophies will be awarded to the folks who earn the most points," he said. Mr. Pankonin anticipates more than 225 will attend the event. "It is a night of entertainment, fun and camaraderie with the folks you work with," he said. Enlisted Appreciation Night is special for Mr. Pankonin, a retired Air Force major. "My first eight years in the Air Force were enlisted," he said. He completed a degree using the Bootstrap education program and became a logistics officer, serving an assignment at Vance. After retiring, he and his family returned to Enid. Attendees are asked not to bring children to the event. The Child Development Center will be open the evening of April 10 for the monthly Parents Night Out. Reservations are required and available April 1. Call 213-7310 for more information.