The 512th Airlift Wing Top 3 at Dover Air Force Base is offering a unique opportunity for individuals to win a free Air Force mess dress uniform through a patriotic essay contest. This initiative aims to support Airmen by offsetting the often significant cost associated with acquiring formal military attire.
The contest is open to a wide range of participants, including active-duty and Reserve servicemembers, their families, and civilians. However, to align with the spirit of the 512th Airlift Wing, the winner must ensure the uniform prize benefits a reservist, officer, or enlisted member within the Liberty Wing.
Master Sgt. Veronica Aceveda, the 512th Top 3 vice president, highlighted the financial burden of the Af Mess Dress Uniform, stating, “We understand the Air Force mess-dress uniform is a pricey investment. We know there are Airmen out there who want to wear a mess-dress uniform to some of the wing’s formal events but simply can’t because of cost. So, we hope to help a few out and share some patriotic messages as well.” This contest directly addresses this financial hurdle, making formal military dress more accessible to deserving Airmen.
Senior Master Sgt. Janet Hawkins, 512th Top 3 Treasurer, further emphasized the broader impact of the contest. “This is an excellent opportunity for supervisors, friends, and co-workers to win one for a fellow Airman,” she said. Even those who already possess a mess dress uniform are encouraged to participate and potentially gift the prize to a colleague. The initiative is made possible through the annual Top 3 membership dues, showcasing the collective support within the wing.
The grand prize is an Air Force mess dress uniform valued up to $400. Beyond the primary prize, second and third place winners will receive gift cards to Military and Clothing Sales. These additional prizes offer further assistance in acquiring or supplementing the components of a complete mess dress uniform.
The essay contest, commencing on Veterans Day and concluding on February 3rd, calls for submissions of 300-word essays. The essay topic is “Why do veterans deserve our support, respect, and understanding?” Participants can submit their essays to the 512th AW Public Affairs Office, located in Bldg. 520, Room 203, or via email to [email protected].
The Public Affairs Office will initially select the top five essays, and the Top 3 will then determine the final winners. The announcement of the winners is scheduled for February 6th. This contest not only provides a chance to win a valuable af mess dress uniform but also serves as a platform to reflect on and articulate the importance of veteran appreciation.
