Air Force honorees to attend AETC Symposium Ball

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rose Richeson
  • Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Each year, more than 3,000 Air Education and Training Command Airmen meet in San Antonio to learn about the most innovative technological advancements in Air Force training through two days of seminars and a technology exposition by the nation's leading military members and defense contractors.

The 2010 AETC Symposium follows the same structure; however, this year's capstone event will draw a crowd partly due to five Airmen's special attendance at the formal ball in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.

"The remaining five U.S. Air Force Medal of Honor recipients, who were honored for valor during the Vietnam War, will be recognized for their heroic actions and the sacrifices they made to ensure our freedom," said Lt Col. Andrew Huisentruit, AETC Symposium action officer.

Retired Colonels Bernard Fisher, Joe Jackson, Jim Fleming, Leo Thorsness and Bud Day will sit among AETC Airmen entertained by a drill team and musical string performances throughout the night. Gen. Norton A. Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff, will provide the keynote speech complementing the rare occasion in which all five members are gathered together.

The John Jay High School Air Force National Champion Armed Drill Team, Silver Eagles, are a repeat agenda item for the symposium ball due to their extended standing ovations at previous year's symposium events. The varsity drill team took top individual and team honors at the annual Texas State Drill Competition.

The Strolling Strings element of the Air Force Band will "stroll" through the audience bringing music performed exclusively from memory and without the aid of a conductor. Their repertoire includes classical, popular, continental, Broadway, bluegrass and patriotic compositions. Truly international ambassadors of music, the Strolling Strings have traveled to every continent, every state of the Union, and virtually every Air Force installation.

Retired Gen. Lloyd W. "Fig" Newton, former AETC commander, returns to the convention center for his second consecutive year as emcee of the symposium and ball. While General Newton lays the foundation for the evening, attendees will dine on a gourmet meal.

"This event will give our service members an opportunity to learn more about our military training heritage and pay tribute to the people who have served before us," said James Sturch, AETC Symposium event director.

Active duty military attendees' uniform for the evening is mess dress. If enlisted personnel do not own a military mess dress, the official semi-formal service dress may be worn. The attire for all other attendees is formal wear.

To register for the 2010 AETC Symposium and Ball, visit http://www.aetcsymposium.com.