Air Force Reservists put on dancing shoes for seniors

Published April 14, 2011
419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Air Force Reservists from the 419th Fighter Wing will put on their dress uniforms and dancing shoes Thursday to join residents at Chancellor Gardens Assisted Living Center, 1425 S. 1500 E., Clearfield, for a spring dance from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The personnel volunteered after they learned the center was in need of dance partners.

"Our residents just love to dance but sometimes we run a little short on dancing partners for some of the ladies," said Jody Cope, activity director at the center.

The evening will include a live band playing big band and swing tunes from the 1930s to 1950s. It won't be the first time many of the residents have hit the dance floor with a uniformed partner, according to Cope.

"Some of our residents have fond memories of dancing with their military husbands or boyfriends during the World War II era," she said.

And for 419th volunteer Master Sgt. Rick Heaton, this won't be the first time he's cut a rug with an older, wiser dance partner.

"When I was a young Airman, I'd stop by a local dance hall with some of my buddies and we'd dance with the elderly ladies," Heaton said. "We'd do the polka or the waltz. It was a lot of fun. The women would light up like Christmas trees when they saw us. I look forward to having a chance to help make the dance a fun event for the residents of Chancellor Gardens."