314 AW revives Trash Hauler’s ball

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Nathan Allen
  • 19th Airlift Wing public affairs
The 314th Airlift Wing celebrated its first Trash Hauler's ball since 1996 Oct. 2 when members of the wing gathered to revive part of their rich heritage. 

About 130 people attended the event, which included: a full buffet courtesy of the 19th Force Support Squadron, 314 AW heritage artifacts and decorations, interaction with former members of the 314th Troop Carrier Group, a performance by "Nightwing," the showcase group of the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band from Offutt AFB, Neb., and a speech from Army retiree Melvin Bailey. Mr. Bailey is a Conway native and veteran of the 82nd Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, and a direct beneficiary of airdrop supplies from the 314 TCG. 

Maj. Eric Gaulin, 714th Training Squadron Student Support flight commander and project officer for the ball, said the 314th's trash hauler legacy was adequately celebrated at the ball. 

"It was the first in a long time, and a lot of people didn't understand what it was, myself included. It was important to our wing's leadership to get it going again, and I think this is something that will grow year after year now once people see the photos and hear the stories." 

According to Gaulin, the best part of the event was uniting the Airmen of today with the wing's veterans who attended the event. 

"I got to talk to some of these guys, hear their stories and connect with them. At the end of the day, the stuff they did is the same thing we're doing today. Different airplanes, different technology, but at the end of the day, we're doing the same job. It hasn't changed."