Horizons Online Edition

Issue date: 4/15/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Kenneth Stuart Cadet Kyle Arcurio pours mango juice into the traditional Grog Bowl.

As the spring semester draws to a close, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's students take time to evaluate all that they have accomplished over the last semester. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment 028 does so in its own unique way. Detachment 028 held their annual formal "Dining Out" at the Windmill House in Chino Valley.

Dining Out is a formal evening of feasting, drinking, and socializing among military units that dates back to colonial times. Detachment 028 uses this tradition to foster camaraderie and celebrate the endeavors of the cadets and cadre. The Strike Eagle Club was on hand to perform the proper customs and courtesies necessary to the event and to give an exhibition of their skills to a captive audience.

The dinner bell rang promptly at five p.m. and the attendees took their seats. Cadet Colonel Ostarello then introduced a number of cadets who will soon be second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. Toasts were exchanged and respect was shown for U.S. soldiers who were or are missing in action or prisoners of war.

The members then proceeded to eat a dinner of beef, chicken, or fish while being entertained by the age-old tradition of the Grog Bowl. The Grog Bowl is a toilet bowl that is filled with the most disturbingly disgusting food ingredients that members of the cadet wing can conceive. Once the Grog Bowl is filled, the floor is opened to any and all grievances that members may have.

A cadet who has committed an egregious error of some kind over the last semester is compelled to drink a glass of the sickening soup as amends for their error. With ingredients like beef, liquid guacamole, mango juice, and hot sauce, the concoction often induces gagging.

After the Grog Bowl tradition, the keynote speaker brought a more serious note to the evening. Colonel Richard Toliver, U.S. Air Force Retired, took to the podium and delivered the words of wisdom he prepared for the event.

Dining Out was held on the 61st anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Thus, Colonel Toliver chose to speak on three fundamental principles of life he learned from Dr. King: integrity, perseverance, and faith. Colonel Toliver professed that, in his long life and military career, no other principles guided him more than those three. Colonel Toliver concluded his speech to the sound of thundering applause.

Dining Out is always a memorable event for all in attendance. However, the attendees of this year's dining out will surely remember the good food, good friends, and good times of Dining Out 2009 for years to come.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools