September 26th was a big day for Josh, the day of the Nellis Air Force Ball, which he has been
planning for a year. Since he was large and in charge, we knew
that he would be unavailable for a bulk of the night so I took my friend and
neighbor, Christie Bloom. Her husband is
TDY completing SOS training at Maxwell Air Force Base so it was perfect for us both. The ball was held at the South Point Casino
and airmen were lined up through the casino to lead the way to the
ballroom. That was a nice touch. We received a challenge coin as we checked in. That was a nice little gift
too. There was a heritage room filled
with displays from the wings and flights on base. Josh found us (he looked great in his mess
dress) and led us to the ballroom so that we could have good seats. As we waited to begin, I had three people
come seek me out because I was Captain Turner’s wife; TSgt Langley who did the
decorations, SMSgt Lancaster who was in charge of ticketing, and Colonel York
who oversaw the process. I felt pretty
special and little intimidated by the ranks.
They all had good things to say about Josh and the ball. I was really proud to see the year's worth of hard work by Josh and his committee.
 |
| Josh and me |
 |
| My "date" Christie |
The
night started with the posting of the colors, the national anthem,
introductions of the leadership, and the ceremony of the POW/MIA table. Colonel Boutwell, the 99th wing commander, thanked
Josh by name for the preparation of the ball.
That was fun to hear! I like the solemness of the military ceremony. I was impressed looking around and seeing everyone dressed so well and all the uniforms
of blue. I felt privileged to be
attending an event that belongs to an exclusive group. The entertainment was Matt Goss, a world renowned headline singer at Cesar’s Palace. He had all the flash
of a Vegas show. Then we ate and Josh checked in on us periodically.
The speaker for the evening was Major General
Thomas Deal. His speech went right over
my head but I am sure those who deal in warfare were impressed. Then they brought out the cake and had the
oldest and youngest airmen cut it together.
The night concluded with dancing, either with a DJ in the main ballroom, or the Spasmatics, an 80's cover band, in another room.
Josh continued to
come and go as he dealt with things. The huge event cost $144,000 (all raised from sponsors and ticket sales, no tax payer dollars were used for this event) and served 915 people. I know that Christie and I had a great time
at the ball! All of the people that spoke with Josh and I said they were having a great time and that it was full of great energy and a lot of fun. I think Josh will be happy with the event as well. This was an amazing event for Josh to lead. He has learned a great deal and has met some very amazing people.
 |
| Elegant ballroom |
 |
| Vegas style entertainment |
 |
| The Spasmatics |
 |
| Party people! |
Abby, I think of you most Sundays when I open the nursery song box drawer you made years ago. It is the best. Thank you for all your talent that was shared with us. I suspect you gave a lot of advise and help to Josh this last year as he planned the Nellis Air Force Ball. Paula Hylton
ReplyDeleteThank you Paula! I loved my time in Springville and think of you all often. Springville was the place that we felt most at home. It will always have a tender place in my heart. I hope that you are well!
ReplyDeleteHi Abby my name is Abbie and we just got orders as well to Misawa. My husband is a general surgeon and we will be stationed there for 2 years. I have 4 kids and I would love to hear any tips that you have already figured out about getting there like housing ect......
ReplyDeleteI'm actually from mesquite NV and my husband is from Las Vegas:) we are currently in Houston Texas. I would love to talk if you ever have time!!!
Hello Abbie! Nice to hear from you. We are from Utah so we are not far from home in Las Vegas. We have enjoyed our time in your home state! When do you arrive in Misawa? My husband will go before me so that I can finish up some of my kids activities. He should have our home, cell phones, cars and address for mailing before I arrive. I will be a little homeless as we hear that they get homes quickly there so BAH will go there. Josh was able to get on the housing waiting list with his assignment rip to the housing office. We are working on our shipments; long term storage, household goods, and unaccompanied baggage. We are not going to ship our whole house there as the houses are smaller. We are going to get cars there too since the steering wheels are on the opposite side. We are getting both No fee passports and regular passports because I hope to travel as a family. I hear the Spouses Club is great and really gets into the community around the base. The school is supposed to be great too. Let me know if you find anything out of importance as well!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHey Abby so you are way ahead of us and seem to know a whole lot more about this process then I do😂 we just found out last week and my husband has to be there July 21.
DeleteSo are you planning on living on base? Do I need to get on some waiting list for housing? Also do we do the no fee pass port through the military? Seriously I have no idea what is going on and we haven't heard anything from the Air Force. We are hoping to get some information soon!
Yes, we will be living on base. Since we have kids, I think we are required to live on base. My husband's sponsor put him on the waiting list for housing with a copy of his orders. You do need a no fee passport with the military. Your husband should have a meeting with someone about this as part of the out-processing and then you will apply for it. They cost $25 each and will be refunded when you turn in your travel fees. It took us awhile to find things out too. You will need a meeting with the EFMP office and all medical records need to be up to date and you will need four Japanese Insphelitis (spelling?) shots. Two here in the US and two once you get to Japan.
Delete