Air Force Ball offers an evening of enchantment Published Aug. 25, 2009 By John Russell Air Force Reserve Personnel Center BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Not too often in one's life do you get a chance to attend an event you've only seen in movies or on TV. This year, Team Buckley is offering you the chance to do just that. The 2009 Team Buckley Air Force Ball is set for Sept. 18 at the Brown Palace - a four-star, luxury hotel. This is a chance to celebrate the Air Force's 62nd birthday in a location that, at times in its 100-year history, has served as the "Western White House" and catered to the whims of the rich and famous. Nowhere else in Denver can you dance the night away and enjoy light food and drinks in the same place that has been visited by foreign dignitaries like Desmond Tutu, political powerhouses like Madeleine Albright and entertainers like Robin Williams. I know the word is getting out and most of you have probably heard about this event. This is not the Air Force Ball you're used to, but it's a celebration nonetheless -- a time for camaraderie, a time to give thanks for what we have and who we are. This will not be a sit-down meal. The idea was to make this celebration one where people can mingle and get to know each other, share ideas, network and enjoy each other's company. All organizations under the Buckley umbrella will be there. Here's a quick low-down on the event. First, on your arrival at the Brown Palace, valet parking will be provided for $10 - a bargain for that area of downtown. As you enter the first atrium-style lobby ever built in a hotel, a truly spectacular sight, you will be directed to the main ball room. This ballroom is nothing like the hotel ballrooms you've experienced at annual award ceremonies - it is pure elegance! Once you're there you will see waiters in tuxedos and white gloves passing silver platters filled with tantalizing appetizer foods. You will be in awe. There will be a band playing in the background. Everyone will be dressed to the hilt. You see your friends and co-workers and think to yourself "wow, they clean up well." This will be an evening you will never forget. The Team Buckley Air Force Ball committee has done everything it could to reduce prices for everyone. The child development center at Buckley will be open during the event and will only charge three dollars per hour. Many officers, civilians and senior NCOs are sponsoring Airmen. For information on tickets, contact Capt. Christopher Michele at 720-847-5387 or 2nd Lt. Jessica Gruver at 720-847-6319. Tickets will be on sale until Sept. 3, but they are selling out fast. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Take advantage of it, celebrate like a celebrity and make this an enchanted evening for yourself.