314th to host inaugural 'Trash Hauler's Ball'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nathan Allen
  • 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
From the outside looking in, one might think it to be a party for sanitation workers, but the 314th Airlift Wing's inaugural "Trash Hauler's Ball" is a celebration of the C-130's reputation of carrying whatever it takes to get the mission accomplished. 

"It's a camaraderie event for 314th [Airlift Wing] members to get together. It's not a combat dining in, it's not an Air Force Ball," said Maj. Eric Gaulin, the event's project officer. "The Trash Hauler's Ball has some history, heritage and a relaxed atmosphere." 

This is the first Trash Hauler's Ball at Little Rock Air Force Base in recent memory. The event will be steeped in tradition and will honor the 314th AW's rich heritage. The wing includes the 314 Operations Group, which was deployed during the Korean War as the 314th Troop Carrier Group from Sewart AFB, Tenn. 

Attendees will have the chance to meet 314 TCG veterans from the Korean War as well as hear from Melvin Bailey, a Conway native and veteran of the 82nd Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion 2nd Infantry Division - the guest speaker. The 314 TCG resupplied the 82nd when it was cut-off by North Korean forces. 

Pieces of airlift history will be on display from the Jacksonville Military Museum including the C-119 "Flying Boxcar" paraphernalia, the plane flown by the 314th TCG at the time. 

"The Trash Hauler's Ball is an opportunity for today's Airmen to experience their heritage from the Airmen who were there. It should be a fun event that allows us to honor tactical airlifters from today and yesterday." Major Gaulin said. 

The event will also include a performance by "Nightwing," the showcase group of the United States Air Force Heartland of America Band from Offutt AFB, Neb. 

"[Hangar] 1080 will look different on this night as we use historical items, old parachutes, and music to bring everyone back to the 1950s," said Master Sgt. Derrek Fisher, the event's NCO in charge. 

A full buffet will be provided courtesy of the 19th Force Support Squadron at Hangar 1080. All members of the 314th AW, spouses and veterans are welcome to attend. The uniform for the event will be ABU/BDU or flightsuit. The cost of the event is $17 for consolidated club members and $19 for non-members. For more information, call Major Gaulin at 987-3184 or Sergeant Fisher at 987-2472.