June 2015
Belle-Scott Committee Hosts 65th Annual Enlisted Dinner
On Thursday, May 14th the Belle-Scott Committee, along with more than 100 enlisted men and women, came together at Fischer’s Restaurant for the 65th Annual Belle-Scott Enlisted Dinner. The dinner brings together community members and enlisted men and women, giving a chance for the two groups to show their appreciation and support. This year’s dinner continued the tradition of a welcome line. As the enlisted men and women entered, the civilians lined up on either side of the door and shook the hands of the enlisted men and women personally thanking each one for their dedication to our country. Upon the welcome, the room filled with chatter as the civilians were able to talk more intimately with the enlisted men and women at their assigned tables.
Terry Foerste with the veterans honored at the Enlisted Dinner. Herbert Ables, Ron Davinroy, Terry Foerste, Joe Schaefer, James Wade
The official dinner program started with words from Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert, who took the opportunity to express his sincere gratitude for the service of the enlisted men and women as he has experienced firsthand the stress it plays on families from a parent standpoint. The program continued with Col. Kyle Kremer, Commander of the 375th Air Mobility Wing, thanking the community for our continued support of Scott Air Force Base and congratulating our efforts as they have been recognized by the coveted Abilene Trophy for the second time in three years. Other gratitudes were expressed from First Class Airman Jonathan Ringer who spoke on behalf of the enlisted men and women of the Base thanking the community for their support and making Scott Air Force Base and the surrounding community feel more like home, while Jay Tebbe, Civilian Chairman of BelleScott Committee, spoke on behalf of the civilians. In addition to thanking the enlisted men and women for their hard work and dedication, four area veterans were honored for their service. Terry Foerste met with each veteran prior to the dinner to hear about their experience so he could share their stories with the Enlisted Dinner attendees. The four veterans honored included, Herbert Ables, Millstadt, IL; Ron Davinroy, O’Fallon, IL ; Joe Schaefer, Swansea, IL; James Wade, Belleville, IL. This was the second enlisted dinner for Wade, as he attended his first enlisted dinner as a Staff Sergeant. The program concluded with several uplifting songs performed by the U.S.A.F. Band of Mid America’s “Roots in Blue”. For more information about the Belle-Scott Committee or to see more photos from the Enlisted Dinner, visit www.bellevillechamber.org and www.facebook.com/GreaterBellevilleChamber.
Golfers Embrace the Weather at the Otto Golf Classic Chamber members showed their dedication as they took to the golf course on
Wednesday, May 20 for the Otto Golf Classic; while temperatures lingered around 50 degrees and the rain continued to fall. The weather was no match for the teams who completed all 18 holes and the additional who went out to create the most enjoyment of their time on the course. The teams were broken into three flights. Six teams were recognized for their efforts as they were awarded first and second in each flight. Congratulations to this year’s winners: Flight A Flight B Flight C 1st Place: Standard 1st Place: Charter Media 1st Place: Howell Financial Rule Promotions - Jason Aulds, Ken Davis, Services - Eileen Buckman, Golfers heading out to the course Matt Marrison, Mike Bonnie Gallagher, Tom Ann Hampel, Kim Howell, in the rain with smiles! McCollum, Tracy Ruesch Terri Menke McCollum, Joy Prigge Longest Drive - Men: Steve Seibert Women: Barb Hohlt ...Continued on page 4 Closest to the Pin - Men:Matt Marrison Women: Tracy Session The Chamber Connection 1