The 512th Airlift Wing Top 3 at Dover Air Force Base is sponsoring a patriotic essay contest with a significant prize for one lucky winner: a free Air Force Mess Dress Uniform. This initiative is open to a wide range of participants, including active-duty servicemembers, reservists, their families, and civilians. However, there’s a stipulation – the uniform prize must ultimately benefit a Liberty Wing reservist, either officer or enlisted.
Master Sgt. Veronica Aceveda, the 512th Top 3 vice president, highlighted the financial burden of formal military attire, stating, “We understand the Air Force mess-dress uniform is a pricey investment. There are Airmen who would love to attend formal wing events in a mess dress uniform but are held back by the cost. We’re hoping to alleviate that barrier for someone and encourage patriotic expression at the same time.”
Senior Master Sgt. Janet Hawkins, 512th Top 3 Treasurer, added another perspective, suggesting that even those who already own a mess dress uniform should participate. “This contest presents a fantastic opportunity for supervisors, friends, and colleagues to win a mess dress for a deserving fellow Airman,” she said. “We are proud to facilitate this giveaway, made possible through the annual Top 3 membership dues.”
The grand prize is an Air Force mess-dress uniform, with a value not exceeding $400. Second and third place winners will receive gift cards to Military and Clothing Sales, helping to offset the expenses associated with acquiring their own mess dress uniforms.
The 12-week essay contest commenced on Veterans Day and will run until February 3rd. Interested individuals are invited to submit a 300-word essay addressing the theme: “Why do veterans deserve our support, respect, and understanding?”. Essays should be delivered to the 512th AW Public Affairs Office, located at Bldg. 520, Room 203. Digital submissions are also accepted via email at [email protected].
The Public Affairs Office will select the top five essays, and the Top 3 will then choose the winners, with announcements expected no later than February 6th. This contest not only offers a chance to win a valuable Air Force mess dress uniform but also serves as a platform to honor and reflect upon the service of veterans.
