84th Test and Evaluation Squadron connects to its past with luau

  • Published
  • By Maj. Ken Rose
  • 84th Test and Evaluation Squadron
Lt. Col. John Breazeale had a dilemma. As a new commander of a newly-reactivated squadron with a new mission, he wanted to restore some of the traditions of the old 84th Test and Evaluation Squadron. But the new 84th TES didn't look much like its predecessor.

The original 84th TES was a Regular Air Force squadron. The new 84th TES is a U.S. Air Force Reserve Total Force Integration unit. The original 84th TES tested radar and electronic countermeasures systems. The new 84th TES integrates across the full spectrum of the 53rd Wing at Eglin AFB. The original 84th TES was a big squadron. The new 84th TES is small but growing. 

Other than the name and Fighting Wizards mascot, there's little the two organizations have in common. So what's a commander to do? That's easy. When in doubt, throw a giant luau.

The legacy of the 84th TES is preserved in two oversized photo albums, and the old squadron's annual pig roast was, by all appearances, quite the to-do. Perusing the old black-and-white photographs, one finds Hawaiian shirts, sandals, sunglasses and lawn chairs. There are also the funny hairdos, the droopy mustaches and the ultra-short, short-shorts.

When the culture shock wears off, however, one also sees smiling families, relaxed friends, and good times and good fellowship. This is what caught Colonel Breazeale's eye.

"I wanted to bring together not only our reservists but our families as well," Colonel Breazeale said. "We're so spread out that we needed to reestablish a tradition that brings everyone together and helps us focus on who we are, where we came from, and what's really important."

That's how the decision to throw the luau was made. Call it a blast from the past.
With Master Sgt. Marcia Evans, 84th TES noncommissioned officer in charge of the commander's support staff, paving the way, the rest of the 84th TES made arrangements to host their First New Old Squadron Luau the last weekend of April. And it was a blast.

Master Sgt. Jennifer Raffield, 84th TES NCOIC of personnel programs, led the squadron in physical training with a 1.5-mile run and three competitive games of volleyball to start off the day.

But the luau wasn't a luau until the squadron donned their Hawaiian shirts and floppy hats, joined up with their families and other reservists from Hurlburt Field's 706th Fighter Squadron, Detachment 1, and relocated to the Eglin Beach Club on Okaloosa Island. That's where the real fun took place. Games, Frisbee, hoola-hoops, sun-bathing. You name it.

Tech. Sgt. Ed Youmans, 84th TES electronic warfare technician, brought the guest of honor. "Wilbur" the pig had been cooking on his own spit since two in the morning. Wholly intact and slow-roasted to perfection, Wilbur was as exotic as he was delicious. With the First New Old Squadron Luau now officially a success, the chances of having a Second New Old Squadron Luau are looking good.

"I couldn't be more pleased. This is exactly what we needed. It's great to have all the families here as well as Blade's (Lt. Col. Pat Ryan, 706th FS, Det. 1 commander) folks here too," said Colonel Breazeale. "It's a great day to be a Fighting Wizard."