Rockin’ and rollin’ at Spouses’ Dining-In

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  At the first-ever Whiteman Spouses' Dining-In held here March 16, more than 190 spouses took the opportunity to cut loose, strengthen their friendships and compete for prizes.

This event, designed "by spouses for spouses" gave them the chance to experience some traditional military customs while also dressing up and building camaraderie.

"This event was to celebrate the sacrifices spouses make all the time, as well as to encourage esprit de corps," said Julie Umfleet, wife of Senior Master Sgt. Mark Umfleet. "From the first event of table-decorating in the morning, you could just feel the excitement in the air. The dining-in exceeded all expectations we had."

Umfleet was one of the event's main organizers, along with Susie Osborn, wife of Master Sgt. Matthew Osborn; and Shannon Scott, wife of Tech. Sgt. Daryl Scott.

When the groups of spouses from different squadrons showed up that night, they debuted their outfits inspired by different movies. They included everything from "Grease" and "Top Gun" to "Austin Powers" and "Snow White."

The event started off with toasts to the first lady and spouses of the secretary of Defense and chief of staff of the Air Force. The 20th Reconnaissance Squadron spouses were named victors of the table-decorating contest, and spouses from the 509th Medical Group were named winners of the best skit.

"The highlight of this event for me was the feedback we got from the spouses," said Scott. "They were over-the-top appreciative."

"As military wives, we sacrifice a lot of our own goals and aspirations to follow around the military member," Scott added. "It's important to have a sense of self and a sense of community, so who better to rely on than other spouses? This event brought us so much closer together."