Enid community appreciates Team Vance enlisted members

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mary Davis
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Fun was in the cards at the 41st Annual Enlisted Appreciation Night April 26, where Team Vance enlisted members enjoyed a night of cards, food and giveaways at the Vance Collocated Club. 

Sponsored by the Enid Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, the event provided members a night of camaraderie, while giving community members an opportunity to show their thanks for what they do. 

More than 185 enlisted members and 50 guests played blackjack for trophies, ate free pizza and hot wings, and received more than $20,000 of prizes from the Enid chamber and local businesses. 

Enlisted members' names were drawn for cash prizes, a freezer full of meat, flat-screen televisions, camping gear, bicycles, electronics and various prizes donated by sponsors of the event. 

Master Sgt. James Moore, NCO in charge of diagnostic imaging at the 71st Medical Group, received a $1,000 cash prize. 

"I didn't expect this at all," said the 19-year master sergeant from Coal Hill, Ark. "We walked in empty handed and walked out with $1,001 cash and an iPod Shuffle. We were so surprised." 

Master Sergeant Moore and his wife, Tech. Sgt. Susan Moore, are moving to Misawa, Japan. 

"This event was the icing on the cake before we leave Enid," he said. "We are so grateful." 

Todd Linza, a personnel wireless communications specialist with Computer Science Corporation at Vance AFB, has been a bronze sponsor since 2000. 

"The reason I'm a sponsor every year is to give back to the Airmen serving in today's Air Force. Airmen today have it pretty tough with all the deployments and down-sizing," said the retired 20-year master sergeant and former Vance career assistance adviser. "This is a great way for them to blow off steam and have fun." 

The event was a success, said George Pankonin, Enlisted Appreciation Night co-chairman. 

"Everyone had a great time, and it gave the Enid community a chance to say thanks."