Honors Banquet Script

Following is the actual script prepared and presented by MSgt (Ret) Deanna Collins, Second Trustee, at the 2008 Division 13 Convention Honors Banquet.

Honorees, Escorts, Exec members, ___________________________
Medallions to JrNCO/FTAY, photographs taken

Color Guard forms
FTAY prepared to say the Pledge of Allegiance or Volunteer Sings National Anthem

______(MC). Ladies and Gentleman the Honors Banquet will begin shortly. Please find your seats and turn off or mute all cell phones, pagers and beepers for the duration of the evening.

______(MC) Good Evening and welcome to the 31^th Annual AF Sergeants Association, Division 13 Honors Banquet.

I am MSgt (Ret) Deanna Collins, Division 13 2nd Trustee, a proud member of Chapter 1328, Edwards AFB, and it is a distinct honor and pleasure to be your mistress of ceremonies for this prestigious event. So sit back, relax, and enjoy tonight’s festivities.

Again, a reminder to please turn off or mute all cell phones, pagers and beepers, but don’t be afraid to make some noise and have a good time.

The host of this event is the Air Force Sergeants Association. In case you’re not familiar with AFSA, it was founded in 1961 by four enlisted service members to represent the professional and quality-of-life concerns of enlisted members on Capitol Hill and the Pentagon.

As you can see by this audience, its members are active duty, reserve, guard, retired, veterans, and their families. AFSA lobbying efforts and testimony on topics such as pay, health care, education, and retirement benefits affect everyone who is associated with military service. AFSA is the “VOICE” of the enlisted force and is an exceptional organization.

Tonight we are surrounded by exceptional people who serve or have served this great nation. Our JR NCO and First Term Airman of the Year nominees are exceptional people and will be recognized for their outstanding service, dedication, and contributions.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in welcoming our distinguished guests for this evening:

Division/AuxiliaryPres and each Chapter selectees proceed to the stage when their names are read, turn for a photo, splits and walks to end of stage until all nominees have been announced. (NCOs to the MCs right and FTAY to the MCs left) Photo opportunity

Division 13 President, CMSgt (Ret) Fred Jacobson, and his lovely wife and Convention Manager, Shari

Division 13 Auxiliary Coordinator, Nancy Wheeler, and her “lovely” husband George

And now our Chapter Junior Noncommissioned Officer and First Term Airman of the Year nominees:

Representing Chapter 1320 (Travis AFB) - SSgt Sterling Amos II and SrA Ryan Clemens

Representing Chapter 1328 (Edwards AFB) - TSgt Tyron Taylor and SrA Melissa Wendt

Representing Chapter 1356 (Vandenberg AFB) - TSgt Brian Rollefson and SrA Colleen Comerford

Representing Chapter 1365 (San Diego CA) - SSgt Natt Day and SrA William Taylor-Bocock

Representing Chapter 1379 (Onizuka AFS) - TSgt Maria Tubergen and SSgt Robert Sandbothe

Representing Chapter 1330 (Los Angeles AFB) - SSgt Dreamy Peckham and SrA Amanda Gladle, unfortunately SSgt Peckham is deployed and SrA Gladle had to leave to attend the 12 Outstanding Airmen Selection Board.

Applause and Photos
__________________________________________________________________

(MC) Ladies and Gentlemen, please rise for the presentation of the colors by the members of the 147th Combat Communications Sq (Air National Guard) San Diego andd the San Diego State ROTC Honor Guard, and playing of the National Anthem,

Pledge of Allegiance or singer (Nominee positions by stage after Color Guard posts

Thank you Honor Guard. The recording of our National Anthem was by the AF Singing Sergeants.

We are also honored to have many distinguished guests with us tonight. Please stand and be recognized when I read your name,.

(Ex: Past Div Pres/Coordinators; Wing CC read “ Commander 95^th Air Base Wing, Col ?”(Recognize Host Base CC, Command Chief, Guest Speaker)

Past Division President # 7 and International Lifetime Trustee MSgt (Ret) Claude Vogel

Past Division President # 8 and International Lifetime Trustee MSgt (Ret) Tony Rollis

Command CMSgt, 452^nd Air Mobility Wing, March ARB, our guest speaker for this evening and the Chairman of the Jr NCO and First Term Airmen Selection Committee, CMSgt Augustin Huerta and his wife Alicia and son Daniel

Our Jr NCO and First Term Airmen Selection Committee members (some who may not be here this evening:

The Command CMSgt, 940th Air Refueling Wing, Beale AFB, CMSgt Anthony Armstrong and his wife Tamara

From the, 147^th Combat Communications Sq (ANG), San Diego CMSgt Carolyn O'Brien and CMSgt Andrew Duenas

We would also like to recognize all the Commanders, Chiefs, First Sergeants, supervisors, Honor Guard, family members, and guests who are with us tonight.

Now, to present a ceremony in remembrance of our prisoners of war and missing in action: CMSgt Norm Marous and the members of the Honor Guard. PLEASE charge your water goblet with water for the special toast at the end of this ceremony. The appropriate toast response will be…”SILENCE!”

****************************************POW/MIA Script **********************************

**Ladies and Gentlemen, please direct your attention to the front of the room as we offer a symbolic representation of those comrades who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the most precious of all human rights. In violent arenas of land, sea, and skies, far away from the homes and families they fought so bravely for, these brothers and sisters gave their lives so that we might stand free and strong. We offer this symbol as a sign that we will never forget their sacrifice, and it represents a renewal of the oath each of us has taken to defend the freedom they paid for so dearly. We also acknowledge those missing in action – past and present – who are still unaccounted for.

As we gather this evening, let us be ever mindful of those American servicemen and women who are no longer able to participate in these events. Let us be especially mindful of the continuing pain, sorrow and sacrifice of our comrades-in-arms who bear the title of “Prisoners of War” or “Missing in Action,” –Whose story remains unfinished.

I draw your attention to the small table placed in a position of honor. In this way, we symbolize the fact that members of our profession of arms, are missing from our midst. They are brothers and sisters who are unable to be with us this evening, so we remember them.

The table is set for one; it is small – symbolizing the frailty of one lone prisoner, against many oppressors…remember.

The tablecloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their intentions, to respond to their country’s call to arms…remember.

The single red rose displayed within the vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms, who keep the faith, awaiting their return…remember.

The red ribbon tied and so prominently displayed on the vase is a symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing…remember.

A slice of lemon is on the plate – to remind us of the bitterness of their fate…remember.

There is salt upon the plate – symbolic of the tears of those missing and of their loved ones as they wait…remember.

Remember…all of you who served with them and called them comrades, who depended upon their might and aid, and who relied upon them…they will remember what we do here.

Ladies and gentlemen, please stand and charge your glasses with water. The toast is made with water, as our comrades did not have the luxury of wine.

Please join us in a silent toast…pause…To our Comrades killed or missing in action, may they never be forgotten.

Dim lights
(TAPS plays)
Lights come up
__________________________________________________________________

CMSgt (Ret) Joseph Colombo, Division 13 Chaplain, will you please come forward and offer the invocation.

(MC) Thank you Chaplain Colombo. Ladies and gentlemen, dinner is now served. Please enjoy your meal.

________ We will now take a 15-minute intermission. Please return to your seats at ________ or ( when you hear the chimes)

(MC) Welcome back ladies and gentlemen. We will now continue our program by listening to some inspirational words from someone who is not a stranger to AFSA or Division 13, our guest speaker, CMSgt Augustin Huerta.

(MC) CMSgt Augustin Huerta is the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 452d Air Mobility Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, March Air Reserve Base, California.

He advises the commander on matters influencing the health, welfare, morale and the effective use of members within the wing and serves as the commander's representative. He began his military career in the AF in July 1975 as a weather observer. He later became a weather forecaster and served at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska, where he was discharged from active duty in August 1984. He decided the service was his calling and enlisted in the AF Reserve in October 1986 and was assigned to Luke AFB, Arizona, as an instructional systems designer. Chief later became an NCO Leadership Development Program facilitator. After serving as a facilitator for three years, he decided to excel at another career and became a First Sergeant. He served in several units before being transferred to March Air Reserve Base in 2002 where he continued to “take care of the troops” until 2006 when he was selected to become the Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 452d Mobility Wing. Chief is also an exceptional person. He was an Honor graduate from NCO Leadership School and the the NCO Academy, and a distinguished graduate from the Senior NCO Academy, and has earned a Master's Degree in Organization and Administrative Management, Golden Gate University, Calif.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in welcoming AFSA Life time member and our guest speaker for this evening, CMSgt Huerta.

(MC) Thank you, Chief Huerta for being with us this evening. President Jacobson could you please come forward to join Chief Huerta at the podium

(PRES) Chief Huerta, thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to join us tonight. On behalf of the men and women of AF Sergeants Association Division 13 and its Auxiliary, we would like you to accept this token of our appreciation for your appearance tonight and for agreeing to be the Chairman of the JR NCO and FTAY boards. Your contributions to this convention are greatly appreciated. Thank you very, very much.

(MC) Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now ready to announce the 2008 Air Force Sergeants Association, Division 13, JR Noncommissioned Officer and First Term Airmen of the Year program.

(Optional) However, before I do that, I would like to recognize our previous Division 13 First Term Airmen of the Year. Nominees, these individuals are a great source of information ____________________________

The JRNCO and First Term Airman nominees selected this evening will represent Division 13, the “Golden Bear State,” at the 45^th Annual AFSA Professional Airmen’s Conference and International Convention in San Antonio, Texas, 23-27 August (mark your calendars). Our selectees will compete amongst 14 division nominees and meet a board chaired by the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force for the title of the 2008 AF Sergeants Association International Jr NCO and First Term Airmen of the Year.

Before we make the announcement, I would like take a moment to thank Chief Huerta, Chairman of the Selection Committee Chief Armstrong, Chief Williams, Chief Gilmore, Chief O’Brien, and Chief Duenas for taking time out of your busy schedules to be a member of the selection committee and supporting this program.

CMSgt Agustin Huerta, will you please come forward to announce the Jr NCO and First Term Airman of the Year.

(CMSgt Huerta) I want to thank AFSA and especially Division 13 for allowing me the distinct pleasure to chair the Jr NCO and First Term Airmen’s Board with nominees of such high caliber. Their nomination packages and board presentations are just a small picture of what these great airmen of today’s AF have to offer. Nothing gives me greater pleasure as a Command Chief and a First Sergeant than to give recognition to our young airmen embarking on the Air Force challenge. They are truly our best investment to secure liberty for ourselves and our nation.

Before I announce the winners, I would like to give another big round of applause for our selection panel and their contributions.

(CMSgt Huerta) Tonight, we will be presenting a new AFSA recognition award, the Jr NCO of the Year. This award was established to recognize and honor our outstanding Jr NCOs and to encourage them to continue with their desire to be exceptional representatives of the AF Sergeants Association, the United States Air Force, this great nation.

These outstanding Jr NCOs were introduced at the beginning of this banquet; however, I would like to introduce them to you one more time.

Nominees as I call your name, please rise and remain standing until all have been introduced.

Please join me in a round of applause for these very fine leaders of tomorrow’s Air Force.

Would Division 13 President, Fred Jacobson, please join me to make the Junior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year presentation

The first ever Jr NCO of the Year that will represent Division 13 at the AFSA International Convention is:________________________

President presents the award/ Board President congratulates winner/
Invite Spouse or guests up for Photos

(CMSgt Huerta) Now ladies and gentlemen, we will announce the 2008 First Term Airmen of the Year award. This award is to recognize and honor outstanding young Airmen and encourage them to continue their desire to be exceptional representatives of the Air Force Sergeant Association, the United States Air Force, and this great nation.

These outstanding First Term Airmen were also introduced at the beginning of this banquet; however, I would like to introduce them to you one more time.

Nominees as I call your name, please rise and remain standing until all have been introduced.

SrA Amanda Gladle, Chapter 1330 (Los Angeles) who is unable to be with us tonight

Please join me in a round of applause for these very fine leaders of tomorrow’s Air Force.

And now, the 2008 First Term Airmen of the Year who will represent Division 13 at the AFSA International Convention is:_____________________

President presents the award
Board President congratulates winner
Invite spouse/guests up for photos
All take their seats

(MC) Before we proceed to our next event of the evening, I would like to take a minute to recognize our other outstanding achievers who will represent Division 13 at the 45^th Annual AFSA Convention:

Now, for our last event, the Installation of Officers. In your presence, the 2008-2009 Division 13 Officers will affirm their allegiance and trust placed in them by you, the delegates, to unite and further the aims and objectives of the AF Sergeants Association and the Auxiliary, the Military Coalition, and the United States Air Force.

At this time, would Past Division President # 7 and International Lifetime Trustee MSgt Claude Vogel, please come forward to swear in the 2008-2009 executive council.

Thank you officers for accepting a Division 13 AFSA leadership position to advocate improved quality of life and benefits for our AF active duty, guard, reserve, and retired enlisted personnel and their families.

(MC) On behalf of the AFSA executive council, “THANK YOU” to the delegates and guests who traveled from all over the State of California to attend this convention and Honors banquet. Your participation enabled us to achieve our objectives, elect our new officers, and honor our award winners.

Before I turn the floor over to President Jacobsen for his final remarks, I have a few announcements:

- The Division 13 post-convention executive council meeting will begin at 8:30. If Chap Presidents or anyone else would like to attend, please feel free to join us.

- The ____________HOTEL____ has reserved a room for AFSA members and guests to have breakfast together. Remember, this meal is not included in your registration.

- Delegates, please remember to complete and turn in your critique sheets in the box in the hospitality room or at the front desk during check out.

- Treasurer, please provide us with the Final total for the Parade of Checks to the 4 worthy charities: _________

- The most important announcement -- the hospitality suite will be open for a while after the closing of the convention. I encourage everyone to stop by for your final farewells until we see each other next year.

President Jacobson and Auxiliary Coordinator Wheeler please come forward for your closing remarks.

(President Jacobson) We truly appreciate the excellent service from the Hotel Staff this evening and throughout our Division convention. To show our gratitude, we would like to present this small token of our appreciation.

Our master(s) of ceremonies did an outstanding job for us this convention. Will Dee Collins please stand. This is her final farewell as she will be moving to Texas to join her husband.

(Coordinator) We would also like to recognize the members of the 2007-2008 Division 13 executive council for their individual and collective efforts in making this convention a success. Please stand and be recognized.

We would be remiss if we did not recognize the Honor Guard for their outstanding performances this weekend.

(President) And last but not least we extend a special “thank you” to Chapter President ________________________ and Auxiliary Coordinator _____________ and the many other members of the Host Chapter 1365 for their superb support of the delegates at this convention. We know this is not an easy task.

While you are up here, would please announce the winners for the host chapter drawing

**And now lets have a big hand for our convention manager, _________________. Who has done another super job coordinating a great convention.**

For the final time as a group assembled in one place, will all the JrNCO and First Term Airmen of the Year nominees, please stand and be recognized.

(Coordinator) We thank all of you, the delegates, and guests for your attendance and for helping to make this another great Division 13 Convention and Honors Banquet. We’re hoping to see you in _________________________ next year.

Thank you for coming and have a safe trip home. Goodnight and we’ll see you in the hospitality suite.

(Chaplain) Let us pray. Thank you father that you have made us “up” people in what is sometimes a “down” world, bringing to others around us the motivation to live a life full of goodness and joy.

Bless this gathering of brothers and sisters that we may be strengthened in our resolve to serve and help others. And let us not forget those who are fighting in harms way and their family members.

Lead us in the direction we need to take and guide our leaders in making the right decisions to enhance the quality of life of those who have served.

Bless these fine Airmen that we have with us this evening and bless this food to the nourishment of our souls. In your name we pray. Amen.