Despite being stationed at McChord Field for less than a year at the time, Katie Minter wanted her husband, a maintainer in the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, to purchase a pair of tickets to attend the base's Air Force Ball.

Adam, an airman first class at the time, forgot.

But a timely placed call secured the couple a pair of tickets previously reserved for a couple that had to cancel.

The Minters went and had a great time.

While Katie admitted there was some hesitation early on because they didn't know anybody, they decided to go anyway.

"It was a little scary," said Katie, 23. "But if you don't put yourself out there you won't meet anybody. (The ball) is a great way to do that. We're now friends with a lot of people outside our squadron and it's because of that."

While the Minters didn't go to the ball last year because Adam (now a senior airman) was deployed, they already have tickets for this year's event, set for Sept. 17 in Hangars 3 and 4.

"We're going with a group of eight people, so it's going to be pretty fun," Katie said.

Although Katie admits some of the speeches and toasts early on can be a little dry, the rest of the ball is a blast.

"When everybody starts dancing - that's a lot of fun," she said.

It's also neat to talk to some of the older retirees and take in the various history exhibits, she said. During their first ball, entertainment was in one hangar and the food was in the other - with tables set in front of a C-17 Globemaster III.  

"That was really cool," Katie added.

This year's Air Force Ball at McChord celebrates "Global Aid Through Global Reach." Tickets range from $15 to $35. For more info, call (253) 982- 2788.