Full-magazine of fun prevails at Rescue Wing military ball

  • Published
  • By By Capt. Cathleen Snow
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
Standing slightly taller than three feet, Miss Gina Marie Incandela, an eight-year-old diagnosed with autism, had the presence of a giant as she set off 920th Rescue Wing's fifth annual military ball January 8 by singing the national anthem.

As the honor guard presented the colors behind her, her toothpick-sized arm shot straight up like she was holding a flaming torch while she sang, "...land of the free." Then she wound her arm up as if cheering her favorite team while she belted out, "...home of the brave."

The 220 well-dressed guests in attendance at a Cocoa Beach hotel wasted no time showing the little girl, dubbed as the "Orlando Magic Good Luck Charm, that she had won their hearts as they stood clapping and cheering.

"It was a special night to remember for the Rescue family," said Col. Robert "BDU" Dunn, 920th RQW commander and host of the event.

"As an all-volunteer organization, we serve because we want to, and because of that choice, we're close like family - significant others included. They're the ones who hold up the home front while we serve. We couldn't do it without them, and for that, I'm grateful," he said.

A full magazine of entertainment produced patriotic feelings and waves of sonic belly laughs, to include a variety of give-aways, a famous military hero and a comedian/magician.

Senior Master Sgt. Gerry Smith, 920th Maintenance Squadron, emceed the event with a Jeff Foxworthy approach, while the wing commander stole the floor several times to call out prize winners.

Prizes included money, food and beverages, spa packages, and a time-share at a local resort donated by a generous wing member.

Key spouses were responsible for getting most of the other prizes together explained Mrs. Shannon Inlow, Key Spouse and Military Ball Committee member who Colonel Dunn recognized with a coin for her efforts.

"It was a lot of fun, "said Tech. Matt Schaeffer, 920th Security Forces Squadron, who said the magic show was his favorite part of the ball, because "he was in it."

The comedian was also 920th RQW executive officer, Lt. Col. Stephanie Shaw's favorite part because, "he made everyone laugh, he involved the audience, and he put four of our sergeants on the floor (during one of his magic acts)."

For some, it was their first ball. "It was pretty cool. I never seen anything like this, and it was a very enjoyable experience," said Ms. Carly Short, guest of Airman Levi Thomas, the 920th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's newest crew chief and first-time ball attendees.

"The show of respect to everybody was my favorite part," said Ms. Short.

Col. Danny McKnight, Retired U.S. Army ranger, stirred patriotic feeling in his address. As the leader of Task Force Ranger, a U.S. operation which took place in Somalia October 3, 1993 which was made famous in the movie, Black Hawk Down.

He talked about what soldiers can and will do for each other and their country.

"...Everyone in here is a leader. It goes along with what you do. The longer you stay in, the more leading you'll do...," he said.

"...You can't manage people to get tough things done, you have to lead them...," said the Colonel.

"...I believe respect is most important Army core value. It's not that subordinates respect their superiors; it's why they respect their leaders..."

He continued, "...That mission in Somalia known as Black Hawk Down was a success, but not a complete one," he said. "We completed it, but there were six of my kids I didn't get back alive. That goes along with being a leader, commanding...," he said.

The colonel wrapped things up by talking about his own grandson who he said wants to join the Air Force and become a pararescueman - one of the hardest special forces jobs in the military and vital recovery specialists who serve throughout the 920th.

"I'm absolutely overwhelmed by what you do by taking care of our country. Your're special to me and probably don't even realize how much. I love the Army but most importantly I love the armed forces," said Colonel McKnight.

He ended by saying, "God bless America." And the little girl in the red dress, once again stood up like a minature statue of liberty, to sing a song of the same title.

The 920th RQW is a combat-search-and-rescue wing with 1,500 Airmen in a variety of capacities who support its mission of saving lives. It's one of the most-deployed Reserve units in the U.S.  Its members live by the motto, these things we do, that others may live.

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