SJ prepares for 2nd Annual Combat Dining-In Published Aug. 5, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Michael Charles 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- A treacherous course awaits you; lined with gun yielding assailants attempting to annihilate you. The bravest make it through the gauntlet, only to be greeted by a herd of incoming projectile weaponry. What may seem like an impossible task of advanced combat training is nothing of the such. The assailants are your wingmen, yielding water guns and hurling projectile water balloons in your direction. This may not be the front lines of today's fight, but it is a war, steeped in military tradition. Aug. 8, the battle lines will be drawn as Team Seymour holds its 2nd Annual Combat Dining-In at the log cabin on base. This year's event is hosted by the installation's Group 5/6 and Top 3, and is open to Airmen of all ranks and ages. It will include a number of water based activities and squadron competitions. Staff Sgt. Cassandra Czechowicz, event organizer, expressed her excitement for the upcoming event. "It's going to be a great event," she said. "Everywhere you turn there is going to be water, food and cheering. It's definitely going to be one of the marquee events of the year." She also believes the combat dining-in is the NCO corps' way of giving back to Airmen in a fun lighthearted way. "With the important missions each squadron is charged with on the installation it's definitely important to take some time to have fun and de-stress," she added. "It's traditions like this that make the Air Force such a close knit community." Originally created by General Henry "Hap" Arnold, who would eventually serve as General of the Air Force, in the 1930s, these "wing-dings" were held on occasion as a formal military function meant to enhance esprit de corps within the wing. Now known as dining-ins, these functions give commanders an opportunity to meet socially with their subordinates and enables military members of all ranks to exercise their social resilience. The combat dining-in is one of the newest iterations of this Air Force tradition and has become increasingly popular over the years. According to Master Sgt. Angela Baker, 4th Medical Group medical readiness flight chief and organizer of last year's combat dining in, attendees for this year's event should prepare for an even more exciting time. "Last year's event was epic but this year's is expected to be even bigger," Baker said. "Remember to bring your best super soaker and be prepared to get wet." More than 300 Service members have already committed to attend this year's event. While water balloons will be provided, individuals are encouraged to bring their own water gun to the event. Tickets are still available for those interested in going. Contact your squadron POC for more information.