Holloman helps Airmen get to Air Force Ball

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Heather Stanton
  • 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  This year's Air Force Ball: 60th Anniversary Celebration is being held Sept. 14 in Albuquerque. 

The large-scale event will take place at the Sandia Resort and will incorporate all New Mexico air bases, Kirtland, Cannon and Holloman. 

"We are absolutely thrilled and honored to have been selected," said Ms. Amber Jordan, director of public relations for the Pueblo of Sandia. "Sandia will open its doors, take out the welcome mat and dust it off to give the Air Force hospitality it will never forget." 

"Albuquerque took the lead on this event for the celebration," said Capt. Steven Shepan, 49th Maintenance Operations Squadron and head of Holloman's Air Force Ball committee. "We have the Air and Space Expo and Cannon took on another event." 

Wing leadership noticed right away how the cost could hinder Airmen's appetite to go to the historical event and decided to help. 

"Tickets to the event are free," said Captain Shepan. "Holloman has 135 reserved." The tickets will be split amongst the groups by the amount of interest the group chiefs get about the event. 

Also to help out the Airmen, the Kirtland Child Development Center will be open to take care of children during the event, said Captain Shepan. The hours are still being worked out, but reservations will be required to have children stay there. 

One of the biggest ways the wing is helping the Airmen out is by providing transportation to and from Albuquerque, said the captain. There is also a shuttle schedule to and from Sandia and Kirtland. 

So, all in all, the attending Airmen will only have to pay for lodging, said Captain Shepan. Kirtland lodging is about $30 a night and to stay at the resort is about $150 a night. 

So what is the draw for Airmen, especially young Airmen, to attend? 

"It's a large celebration," said Captain Shepan. "It's affordable and the guest list will give Airmen the chance to see and listen to what's going on in the Air Force and in New Mexico." 

Attendees include retired Gen. Ron Fogleman, Gov. Bill Richardson and senators of New Mexico, said Captain Shepan. Entertainment for the evening is country music singer, Lee Greenwood, who sang "God Bless the U.S.A." 

This event has been an example of what Holloman Airmen can do, said Captain Shepan. "We got lots of volunteers to drive the buses and trucks, and they aren't even expecting to attend the event. It shows what Holloman does in New Mexico." 

Also, the base has come together to help out. The 46th Test Group is supplying a flyover and BEAR Base has offered to put up structures if needed. 

"It was important for us to understand the logistic problems for this event," said the captain. "The general made great allowances for us that have enabled us to keep the cost down in order for Airmen to get out and see the celebration." 

To attend the Air Force Ball: 60th Anniversary Celebration, contact a squadron first sergeant for details.