Air Commandos get together for inaugural ball

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Marelise Wood
  • 352nd Special Operations Group Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  RAF MILDENHALL, England - The Air Commandos of the Joint Special Operations Air Component-Europe and the 352nd Special Operations Group enjoy a rich heritage, of which they celebrated at an inaugural Air Commando Ball at the Galaxy Club July 30.

After the presentation of the colors, and the playing of the British and American national anthems, Col. Gary "Chainsaw" McCollum, Commander of both JSOAC-E and 352nd SOG, led the multi-service and family attendees in a round of toasts.

The night's guest speaker was retired Col. Steve Connelly, a prior commander of the 352nd SOG. His speech focused on valor and the sacrifice service members and their families make, in order to defend and protect the nation.

"When valor is called upon, there's a price to pay -- sacrifice," he said.

Connelly also used the opportunity to officially recognize the stand-up of a new chapter of the Air Commando Association, 2nd Air Commando Group. The original 2nd ACG, upon which the 352nd SOG's heritage is built, was founded in April 1944, and was formed as a result of the operational success achieved by the 1st Air Commando Group at Operation Thursday.

Following Connelly's speech, McCollum gave closing remarks and encouraged the attendees to enjoy the rest of the night's less formal proceedings - dancing and socializing.

Danielle Poyant, a 352nd SOG civil engineer, took him up on the offer.

"We had a really good time socializing with fellow Air Commandos outside of the work atmosphere," said Poyant, who attended the event with her husband Ben. "Ben and I had a really good time meeting and getting to know the spouses and 'letting our hair down' on the dance floor."

More than 200 people were at the event.