Airmen raise stakes, donations at 'Casino Royale'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  More than 100 Air Commandos donned black-tie wear and went "all-in" for card games and dice rolls while aiding needy families during the complimentary Casino Royale Food Drive at the Landing Zone March 9.

The Landing Zone staff teamed with Hurlburt Airman's Voice to provide the center's first-ever casino festivities that collected more than 300 pounds of canned goods.

"This was a testament to what Airmen and our community can do if we get together and handle business while having fun," said Airman Basic Reggie Whitener, a communications security accountant of 1st Special Operations Communications Squadron and project lead.

Volunteers spent the previous week constructing the craps, poker, roulette wheel and blackjack tables and sprucing up the center with Las Vegas-themed decorations. They also served as the green visor-capped dealers, moderating the high-stakes rounds for players at the various tables.

Event organizers encouraged participants-- ranging from junior enlisted to NCOs, first sergeants, chiefs and commanders--to dress up in formal wear as part of the night's ambiance. They also earned more free, simulated-dollar poker chips for wearing suits or gowns as well as for bringing in more canned goods.

"The tables were so full that people were standing around just to watch the games," Whitener said. "Everyone had fun, even if they've never played the games before."

Airmen also used their earnings in poker chips to bid on prizes throughout the night, including a flat-screen TV and a video game system.

"I was blown away by not only the great job the Airmen did, but the initial turnout and level of excitement the participants showed," said Robert Scott, director of the Landing Zone/Community Center.

Scott said the event was provided courtesy of the Single Airman Initiative to increase morale and esprit de corps among the enlisted force.

"HAV's input and dedication to their fellow Hurlburt Airmen can be seen in the resounding success of these programs," he said. "For a 'test-drive' event, I am excited at the end result and look forward to organizing more casino nights this year."

The canned goods will be delivered as part of the Joint Enlisted League--a collection of the base's enlisted councils-- and their efforts to help families in need.

For more information about events at the Landing Zone, call Scott at 884-5080 or visit their Facebook page.