2010 WOW Gala set for Sept. 2 Published Aug. 13, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Montse Ramirez 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The Wings Over Whiteman Community Gala is scheduled Sept. 2 at the 5-Bay Hangar. Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner and dancing from 7 - 11 p.m. "The purpose of this gala is to celebrate the total force that we have on base and to invite the Whiteman community to celebrate another year of the Air Force," said Master Sgt. Cristofer Valenzuela, 509th Comptroller Squadron first sergeant, and Gala organizer. Honorable Erin C. Conaton, the Under Secretary of the Air Force, is slated to attend as the guest speaker. Attendees can expect an elegant evening of entertainment. According to Sergeant Valenzuela, dancing is encouraged as the Heartland of America's Night Wing ensemble from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., plays an array of old classics as well as modern songs. Dress code for the event is semi-formal; dark suit or tuxedo for men and evening gown for women. "The event gives people the opportunity to dress up," said Sergeant Valenzuela. "It's a great time for men to take their significant others out and show them a good time." "I'm so excited about it, I can't wait for the dining and dancing and just having a good time," said Airman 1st Class Yulonda Murphy, 509th Communications Squadron, communications focal point. "I think this will increase the Whiteman morale." Tickets cost $15 from E-1 through E-4, E-5 through E-6 are $20, E-7 through E-8 are $30, E-9 and civilian are $40. Civilian spouses of military members pay the spouses' price. For more information or to purchase tickets contact a unit first sergeant.