Ellsworth to celebrate Air Force's 60th, 20-year B-1 home

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Eric J Bolt
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  Ellsworth to recognize the Air Force's 60th birthday and the 20-year anniversary of the B-1's arrival Sept. 22. The featured event of the celebration is a 60th Anniversary Air Force Ball and Gala in Dakota's at 6 p.m. 

"This year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the United States Air Force, and its young, but fulfilled, legacy of flight, leadership and determination," said Staff Sgt. Rhodello Nuval, 28th Services Squadron food service accountant. "The ball will highlight the proud heritage and tradition of the United States Air Force, as the youngest branch of the military services." 

In addition to the recognition of the Air Force and its tradition of excellence, the gala will commemorate the arrival of the B-1 to Ellsworth. 

"Affectionately known as the B-ONE, it has elegantly soared through the skies of South Dakota and the Black Hills as the B-1 and its crews remain trained and ready for military operations worldwide," said Sergeant Nuval. 

This black-tie, mess-dress, formal gala aims to be the event of the century, according to coordinators. 

Senator John Thune will be the keynote speaker; music entertainment will be provided by the Rapid City Symphony String Quartet and Air Force band "Night Wing" from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.; and further entertainment will be provided by Ellsworth's 28th Bomb Wing Honor Guard expeditionary drill team and a heritage slide show. 

The evening starts with social hour at 6 p.m. and will include champagne and hors d'oeurves. The four-course meal will include a spinach salad, lobster bisque, filet mignon and marinated berries over vanilla ice cream. Red wine, champagne, tea and water will be available at the tables. The meal will then be topped off with the time honored tradition of the Air Force birthday cake cutting ceremony. 

Tickets for this event will be $50 per person and dress is formal, black tie for civilians, mess dress or semiformal for military. 

For more information or to purchase tickets call 385-3617.