Food launch

From USAFA Folklore

Food launches were a popular activity on the fifth floor of Sijan Hall in the early Nineties, usually held on the Terrazzo side where CS-26 and CS-25 met. The announcement of a food launch was passed verbally within the two squadrons, and those involved would spirit away numerous food items from Mitch's in the meals prior to the event.

At the appointed time, usually during Ac Call, the launch crew would assemble their weapon - a three man slingshot, suspended between doorknobs on either side of the hallway, facing about 50 feet away from the blank wall on the easternmost corner of Sijan. As they prepared, cadets from both squadrons would line the hallways, backed into the alcoves to avoid any stray shots. When all was in place (can't remember if anyone was watching the door right next to the impact zone, but never remember any instances of collateral damage), the launch crew would don goggles, and loundly announce the first offering of the night to the now eager crowd. Fruit and yogurt were the most popular launchables, but anything could end up hurtling down the hallway on any given food launch night.

[edit] Accounts

There are two launches that I remember vividly, and both offered that little something extra to spice up the event. One (despite the fact that it blatantly flouted the traditional "food" category) was a ringing alarm clock, which disintegrated upon striking the wall, and left a nice gouge if I remember right. The second, and the one that elicited the most enthusiastic crowd response, was in late 1992 when the picture of a certain former state governor was pasted to the wall as a target. The gunnery was exceptionally fine that night, and after the first shot the gentleman from Arkansas was covered with a fine film of Yoplait, to the cheers of nearly all present. - Jamminnav