Dining-in shares laughs, builds bonds between spouses

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jason Lake
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Nearly 200 Batgirls, Jolly Green Giants and other fantastical figures packed into the Rocker NCO Club last Saturday for a dining-in event paying tribute to Kadena's military spouses.

Enlisted and officer spouses from more than 20 squadrons dressed up in everything from togas, 'battle dresses' and cheerleading uniforms for a night of fellowship and fun. The spouses also showed off their talents while competing in a series of contests including Best Costume, Best Table Setup and Best 90-Second Talent Skit.

But according to organizer Cindy Wilsbach, the fun and games were more about building relationships with fellow spouses than winning any contests.

"We are gathered here this evening because we share a common bond," she said during the opening of the event. "For you, there are no citations, no fanfare, no medals, and no salutes. But you are the unsung heroes of our nation. Tonight, my fellow spouses, we are here to honor you."

Mrs. Wilsbach said the turnout of spouses continues to grow after the base hosted the first Spouses' Dining-in last year.

The light-hearted event has been lauded by spouses like Christy Gilliland, wife of Capt. Scott Gilliland, who hopes the dining-in becomes a time-honored tradition at Kadena.

"It was fabulous," she said. "Everyone out there enjoyed themselves and it was great chance for us to get together and develop friendships and bonds with each other."

As for the winners of the contests, the 44th Fighter Squadron spouses took home Best 90-Second Talent Skit honors, while the 18th Wing Staff spouses won Best Table, and the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron spouses came back from last year's defeat in Best Costume to win this year's contest.