9/30/96 Contact: Amy Troiano, 614/593-1343

ATHENS, Ohio -- In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Air Force ROTC at Ohio University, Detachment 650 will host a reunion for former students and faculty members Friday and Saturday (Oct. 4 and 5). Anyone who participated in the program during its first 50 years is invited to participate.

"Air Force ROTC for the last 50 years has been producing high quality officers," said Lt. Col. Randy Morris. "This is our opportunity to bring some of those students and faculty members back. It will also give current students the opportunity to appreciate their heritage."

The festivities begin with an informal mixer at 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at Sylvia's Restaurant. Participants will attend an Open House with current ROTC faculty members at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 5 in Lindley Hall, and also are invited to attend a tailgate party at 11 a.m. prior to Ohio University's home football game against Eastern Michigan University in Peden Stadium.

The reunion will be topped off by an Air Force Dining Out held at 7 p.m. in Baker Center Ballroom for attendees and their guests. The keynote speaker will be Brig. Gen. Brian Arnold, the commander over all ROTC programs. Arnold, who will discuss how recent advancements in technology affect the Air Force, is based at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Ala.

Following the formal Dining Out, there will be dancing to music from the last 50 years provided by the "Band of Flight," the Air Force 18-piece big band from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton.

Anyone interesting in attending the reunion should contact Amy Troiano at 614/593-1343 or write Det. 650 AFROTC, 233 Lindley Hall, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio 45701.