Key events on tap to celebrate EAFB 70th anniversary Published April 9, 2012 By Steven J. Merrill 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Planning committee members are working hard to put the finishing touches on several key events May 18, 19 and 20 in honor of the 70th anniversary of Ellsworth Air Force Base. A kickoff party for all Airmen, their families and invited guests, a golf tournament in Rapid City, S.D., a special event at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum, and a special celebration dinner with South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard and the Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, as keynote speakers top the list of activities. 70th Anniversary Kick Off Party - May 18 The kickoff party will be in the Pride Hangar and begin at 4 p.m. with an Airman's Call followed by a party catered by Fuddruckers. The U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band's pop rock ensemble - Raptor - will perform live and there will be games and activities that will appeal to all ages and the entire family. "We're working hard to make this a fun event for everyone," said Maj. LeAnn Lamb, 28th Medical Operations Squadron chief of education and training and lead planner for the party. "It's the base's way of thanking our Airmen and their families for all of their hard work." In addition to great food and entertainment, guests will be able to tour static aircraft on display, compete in pingpong and video game tournaments, and belt out tunes during karaoke at the end of evening. 70th Anniversary Golf Tournament - May 19 The tournament will be at the Golf Club at Red Rock in Rapid City and begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Registration is open to anyone, but limited to 80 players. Four-person teams will compete on the 7,000-yard, par 72 championship golf course that features lush fairways nestled among tall ponderosa pine trees. The entry fee includes greens fees, golf cart, practice balls, a special 70th anniversary polo shirt, lunch and prizes. To register, call the 28th Bomb Wing Protocol Office at (605) 385-1205. Heritage Day - May 19 The South Dakota Air and Space Museum will host a free special event to recognize and pay homage to the vital mission and dedicated service that Ellsworth has played in the defense of our nation. There will be a variety of displays and special demonstrations provided by the 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog section, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosives Ordnance Disposal team, Black Hills Scale Modelers Club, and Starbase South Dakota. "The South Dakota STARBASE program introduces kids to science and technology through hands-on experiments with engineering concepts. Their interactive exhibit demonstrates the power of ideas, applied in a scientific manner. And it's fun," said Bob Liebman, Ellsworth Heritage Foundation vice president and event organizer. "We're also very fortunate to have Peter Vodenka as the keynote speaker for our event." Vodenka escaped with his wife and two small children from behind the "Iron Curtain" in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. His story speaks directly to the historic, global impact of the mission accomplished by Ellsworth during the Cold War and into today. 70th Anniversary Celebration Dinner - May 19 The crown jewel of activities recognizing Ellsworth's 70-year history, this formal event at the Ramkota Best Western Hotel in Rapid City begins with a social hour, followed by dinner and addresses by Governor Daugaard and General Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff. "This is the big finale," said Maj. Jeff Strange, 37th Bomb Squadron assistant director of operations and lead planner for the event. "Events of this caliber don't come around very often." In addition to the highest ranking officer in the Air Force, numerous former wing commanders and a myriad of political and community leaders who have - or who continue to - play a key role in Ellsworth's mission will be attending. Raptor will be setting the tone for the event and perform a medley of music that captures Ellsworth's history. The event is open to everyone; however, there are a limited number of tickets available. Those interested should call their respective group point of contact or the 28th BW Protocol Office at (605) 385-1205 to purchase tickets. Heartland of America Band Concert - May 20 The U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band's pop rock ensemble - Raptor - will perform a free concert at Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City beginning at 2 p.m. Their music stretches from the top 40 pop and country hits of today to popular rock-n-roll classics. For the most up-to-date information about these activities, visit http://www.ellsworthfss.com/ellsworth-afb-70th-anniversary. 70th Anniversary Celebration Dinner Group Points of Contact Ellsworth Airmen and civilian employees should contact their group POCs for ticket information. If group POCs are unavailable, contact the 28th Bomb Wing Protocol Office at (605) 385-1205. All others interested in attending the dinner should call the Protocol Office to purchase their tickets. 28th Bomb Wing Staff Senior Master Sgt. Charles Stansbury, (605) 385-2198 28th Operations Group Chief Master Sgt. Rosemarie Rich, (605) 385-4427 28th Maintenance Group Master Sgt. Michael Marino, (605) 385-4868 28th Mission Support Group 1st Lt. Samuel Williams, (605) 385-2126 28th Medical Group Master Sgt. Jacqueline Pennington, (605) 385-3216 Air Force Financial Services Center Senior Master Sgt. Richard Boyles, (605) 381-1663 28th Bomb Wing Protocol Office (605) 385-1205