Community salutes Vance enlisted

  • Published
  • By Bob Farrell
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  Team Vance enlisted members will soon enjoy free food, fun and prizes once again, courtesy of the Enid community.
The annual Enlisted Appreciation Night begins at 5:30 p.m. April 29 at the Vance Club.
The event is sponsored by members of the Enid Chamber of Commerce and includes the support of local-area businesses, according to Richard Johndrow, co-chairman of the chamber's Enlisted Appreciation Night Committee.
"It's a way of showing our appreciation to the enlisted force for everything they do and for the sacrifices they and their families make for this country," Mr. Johndrow said. "They are the backbone of the military service."
Mr. Johndrow said he is pleased with the response and community support for the event.
"Each year, we have given away numerous prizes to include television sets, barbecue grills, stereo equipment, DVD players, gift store items, crafts and hundreds of dollars in cash," he said.
The festivities have changed slightly from previous years, however. Upon entering the Vance Club, enlisted members attending will receive a ticket which will be used to win prizes. Drawings will begin at 6 p.m. and continue throughout the evening. Participants will play blackjack, and the top three winners of the evening will receive trophies recognizing their accomplishment. Players will be given a starter sum of play money upon arrival to play in the blackjack tournament.
Attendance to the event is free to all enlisted members, who will also be able to bring their spouse or significant other. However, children of any age may not attend the event. The child development and youth centers will offer child care for the event from 6 to 11 p.m. on a space-available basis. For reservations, call the CDC at 7310 or the youth center at 7474.
"All attendees may play blackjack, but only active duty enlisted members (or their spouse if the member is deployed or on temporary duty) are eligible for prize drawings," said George Pankonin, also co-chairman for the event.
Table dealers will consist of chamber members and other volunteers from the Vance and Enid communities.