7 RAF Milldenhall News

MIL-D-CON 2022 ROUNDUP!

RAF Mildenhall's biggest event of the year gets bigger!

WORDS: Sandra Mackall

Last month we at 100 FSS hosted the biggest event of the year - MIL-D-CON! Held Friday through Sunday on September 29, October 1 and October 2 at the Galaxy Club Complex, it was an event for the books! Responding to the positive feedback about our virtual content in years past, we once again provided a multi-platform experience! We offered virtual content on Friday and Sunday, with the live and in-person experience on Saturday.

So, what is Mil-D-Con you ask? Well, let us tell you about it! It is a comic con for all! For

RIGHT: Crowds attend MIIL-D-CON.

BELOW:

Ambassadors of Hollywood from Armed Forces Entertainment.

those who have attended, you will enjoy this narrative. For those who haven’t... you’ll wish you had!

The 100 FSS Mil-D-Con Experience begins the week prior when you may have noticed a couple superheroes walking among us on base as Captain America and Captain Carter visited. Then, as days go by, you’ll see equipment, trucks, cones and tape being put up. A couple days before take-off, you may be disgruntled to see the club parking lot blocked off, but you will be amazed to witness the set-up of the 180/40 ft entry/vendor tent. A physical wonder to watch. Then, the day before, Thor, Superman, Wonder Woman and Spiderman arrive... well, life-size replicas, that is.

Friday (and Sunday) is virtual day. On all social media, folks were entertained with Mil-DCon greetings by actor Dean Cain and numerous others. Cool and creative video by staff and volunteers filled our followers’ feeds. And on that Friday evening, In the FSS BHCC Gamer Room, we hosted a virtual Q&A with legendary gamer LEGIQN. You can watch whole discussion at

youtu.be/L-sKpFBsMjE

And now it is the night-

Photo by Jerome Miles Photography

before-and-morning-of. Late into the night and in the wee hours of the morning, dozens of staff are putting up tables, backdrops, balloons, signage, lights, electrical, and stuffing thousands of goody bags. And then it was time for over 4,000 visitors arrive to see the food trucks outside and the thankfully a contained T-Rex outside. They then enter the tent to be greeted by Chewbacca, superheroes galore, and Storm Troopers. Action cars such as the famous DeLorean and others are there. And the vendors. Oh, the vendors. Creative wares, stuffies, collectibles, paintings, and so much more. Inside the club there was a lot going on – giveaways, gamer tables, board games, retro arcade, gaming competition, more vendor booths, artist displays, costume contests, photo ops (The Iron Throne from Game of Thrones), and children’s activities.

Did we say celebrities? Yep, they were there, too. And did we mention the... Hmmm ... well, you get the idea. It was awesome. You’ll just have to attend MIL-D-CON 2023 to get the full experience. For those who were there, please share your experiences and ideas. For those who weren’t – we will see you next year!