Air Force Rotc Dining Out

Today Dr. Ann and I attend a ROTC Dining out dinner with RA Evan grinstead. This is the end of the year dinner for ROTC candidates. The evening was formal attire with many of the young ladies in prom type dresses. At the beginning of the evening we learn of a very emotional and moving part of all "Dining In" events. The Missing Man table. Although you can read the script of the Missing Man table, to see and hear this read and done in a room full of Air Force cadets brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat. I thought of all the people in the room and those over seas fighting for my right to speak freely, to love my wife and children and to walk down the street a free man.

Missing Man Table & Honors Ceremony"

As you entered the dining area, you may have noticed a table at the front, raised to call your attention to its purpose -- it is reserved to honor our missing loved ones [or missing comrades in arms, for veterans].

Set for six, the empty places represent Americans still [our men] missing from each of the five services -- Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard – and civilians. This Honors Ceremony symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit.

Some [here] in this room were very young when they were sent into combat; however, all Americans should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation's call [to serve] and served the cause of freedom in a special way.

I would like to ask you to stand, and remain standing for a moment of silent prayer, as the Honor Guard places the five service covers and a civilian cap on each empty plate.

Honor Guard: (In silence or with dignified, quiet music as background, the Honor Guard moves into position around the table and simultaneously places the covers of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, and a civilian hat, on the dinner plate at each table setting. The Honor Guard then departs.)

Moderator:

Please be seated ....... I would like to explain the meaning of the items onthis special table.

The table is round -- to show our everlasting concern for our missing men.

The tablecloth is white -- symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.

The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and the[ir] loved ones and friends of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers.

The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.

A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

The glass is inverted -- to symbolize their inability to share this evening's [morning’s/day’s] toast.

The chairs are empty -- they are missing.

The company for the evening was outstanding and to learn the traditions of the Air Force was enjoyable. RA Grinstead taught us so much in the pass three years this was just one more thing that he shared with us and taught us.

It is these evenings and events that come at the end of the year that let me see how this work as a RFL does touch not only the students but me as well. It is the reward for all the late nights, Taco nights, fire alarms, evenings listening to the young students figure out life. Thanks Evan, John for sharing this evening with myself and Ann.