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Local community organizes shrimp boil for dorm residents

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
10/28/2009 --  More than 100 Airmen and civilians peeled boiled shrimp, listened to country music and played Frisbee golf during a Dorm Residents Appreciation Picnic at the Community Park Oct. 28. 

The event was organized by the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce to show their support for Airmen residing in base dormitories. 

"Many of the Airmen living on base don't have family in this area," Jim Heald, chairman of the Military Affairs Committee for the Niceville-Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, said.  "This is our way to show that the community here is their family." 

Many of the Chamber members could relate to the dorm residents as they have been in the same positions themselves. 

"Some of us are former military members and we know the sacrifices that they make every day," he said. 

The chamber held a similar event for dormitory residents at Eglin Air Force Base in September. 

On the day of the event, the organizers set up the picnic area for Southern-style shrimp boil with potatoes, sausage and corn-on-the-cob. Airmen were also treated to complimentary Frisbees and koozies. 

"It's a small token of our appreciation. We're just doing our part to support the troops," Mr. Heald said. 

Col. Greg Lengyel, 1st Special Operations Wing commander, was in attendance and spoke about the importance of the community supporting the Airmen. 

"We appreciate the support for the dorm residents by the local community and civic leaders. We can't do what we do here without you," Colonel Lengyel said. 

One of the dorm residents who attended the event was Airman Dalton Mossey, an aircraft electrical systems apprentice with the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. 

He arrived here in September, but hasn't visited his home in Troy, Mont., since January.  He said he appreciated the hospitality shown to him at the event. 

"It was a good time to be here with friends and enjoy the free food," Airman Mossey said.