Second airmen's luncheon is Tuesday

MOSES LAKE - A community luncheon for Fairchild Air Force Base airmen is noon on Tuesday at the Porterhouse Steakhouse in Moses Lake.

The restaurant is located at 217 N. Elder St.

Everyone is invited to attend. 

To reserve a seat, call luncheon organizer  Dennis Clay at 509-762-5158.

There is seating for 75 people at the event, he said.

Since the last luncheon, Clay said he received more inquiries.

"The first one, I wasn't sure how it was going to go," he commented. "So this time, I want to throw it open to the world, the greater Columbia Basin. I want to get 75-plus people there."

He wants to expand the event to other cities and organizations.

A total of 29 people attended the previous luncheon, six airmen and 23 community members.

Each civilian donated about $3 each to pay for airmen's lunches.

"They were excited and wanted to come back," he said. "I think the troops were kind of in awe. Everyone showed them so much attention. I don't think they get that much attention in Spokane."

On Tuesday, introductions take place and time is allowed for attendees to visit with one another.

He is encouraging everyone to arrive promptly at noon, as airmen only have one hour for lunch.

He plans to hold the event the third Thursday of each month.

Clay is also planning a community Fourth of July celebration with the City of Moses Lake.

Back when Larson Air Force Base was open, he remembers an event called "Friendship Day" at the state park near Moses Lake. 

Three-legged races, an egg toss and  horseshoe pitching contests were featured.

The event was held when Clay was in high school, but he recalls it actually started several years before 1963 and was first called Airmen's Days.

The celebration was held for residents and airmen.

"It was a great old time," he recalled.