128 ARW Hosts 30th Annual Milwaukee Civic Dinner Dance

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
  • 128th Air Refueling Wing
MILWAUKEE --  The 30th anniversary of the Milwaukee Civic Dinner Dance was held on Thursday, May 13, 2010, at the 128th Air Refueling Wing's inspection hangar at Gen. Mitchell International Airport.

Approximately 400 people were in attendance, including military members from throughout Wisconsin, elected state and local officials, and citizens of the local Milwaukee area.

The dinner dance was hosted by the 128 ARW and the wing's commander, Col. Ted Metzgar.

Army Capt. Brian Barth, company commander of the 951st Engineer Company "Sapper," 724th Engineer Battalion, was recognized as the guest speaker.

Barth said he was privileged to share his experiences with fellow Guardsmen due to the ongoing teamwork his company experiences with the Wisconsin Air National Guard.

"I am honored to share the National Guard story and teamwork," Barth said. "It's good to see support from the community."

Dr. Tom Buck, the Civic Dinner Dance co-chairman, said, "This is one of the civilian and military events that help people express their appreciation for the military and to understand it."

"The 128 [ARW] is a vital asset to Milwaukee and the world," Buck said.

Buck went on to say that events such as the Civic Dinner Dance highlight the number of great people living in Southeastern Wisconsin.

The evening's emcee, Raymond Glowacki, reminded everyone in attendance that today's military is a volunteer service. He reiterated the importance of keeping that fact in mind.

Brig. Gen, John E. McCoy, the assistant adjutant general for Air, said that he feels "immense pride about being a part of this organization we call the United States military."

"I say I am proud to serve," he said.

The Civic Dinner Dance also recognized Otis "Bill" Weinhold as an honored recipient.

Weinhold is a prominent figure in the St. Francis community, and was recognized for his accomplishments as a local business leader, a commissioner in the St. Francis Police and Fire departments, and as a founding member of the St. Francis Lions Club.

The 132nd Army Band provided music for the evening. The band's music included the various service components' songs, Taps, Amazing Grace played on bagpipes, and entertainment music for the latter half of the evening.

The Civic Dinner Dance ended as attendees admired the various military displays, including an assortment of weapons used by the 128 ARW security forces squadron, the various gear components used by the 128 ARW aircrew flight equipment squadron, and a mine-detection vehicle, or Buffalo, used by the 951st Engineer Company, or 'Sappers.'