Grant members host a captivating evening

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Cody H. Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WARRENSBURG, Mo. --  Members of Whiteman and the University of Central Missouri hosted a night of fun and activities at UCM's Recreational Center March 18 for Airmen and students.

More than 100 Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and UCM students attended the event which included basketball, rock climbing, video games, movies and free pizza.

"Typically on a Friday or Saturday night this age demographic would be doing something similar, but alcohol would be involved," said Jeff Huffman, program coordinator. "We're not abolitionists. We want to highlight the importance of responsibility, which means doing what the law allows, and for those which are following the law, being smart while doing so."

The attendance for the event was good, according to Mr. Huffman, especially since UCM's spring break started March 18.

"A good amount of people showed up for the night," said Airman 1st Class Katherine Althoff, 509th Communications Squadron. "I did a lot of the promoting for the event, so I was excited to see how it turned out.

"It was something to do around here other than going to bars," Airman Althoff added. "All the things they had sounded great and the rock climbing was cool."

Mr. Huffman said he relied greatly on his planning group to spread the word to other Airmen, which effectively drew Airmen who otherwise might not have heard about the event.

"I came to support my fellow Airmen; they asked me to come, so I did," said Airman 1st Class Synethia Edinborough, 509th Medical Support Squadron. "I enjoyed meeting new people and seeing the general outside his uniform."

Mr. Huffman said he wants Airmen to know the grant is for them and by them.

"I want Airmen to understand that I planned this event with the help of a handful of Airmen and I want their ideas for future events," Mr. Huffman said. "We had 30 Airmen sign up to help plan future events, which will help ensure even greater attendance." Mr. Huffman added. "I believe the next event we host will be even better with the word being spread."

Future events will be tailored to increase the attendance of not only Airmen, but UCM students. UCM has a program called Spotlight, which handles event planning for UCM. Mr. Huffman said in the future this internal information system will connect Airmen and students.