A roof stomp is a

tradition A tradition is a system of beliefs or behaviors (folk custom) passed down within a group of people or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past. A component of cultural expressions and folklore, common e ...

in the

United States Air Force The United States Air Force (USAF) is the Air force, air service branch of the United States Department of Defense. It is one of the six United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Tracing its ori ...

in which servicemen within the unit mount the roof of the home of a new unit commander,

colonel Colonel ( ; abbreviated as Col., Col, or COL) is a senior military Officer (armed forces), officer rank used in many countries. It is also used in some police forces and paramilitary organizations. In the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, a colon ...

, or other higher-ranking officer and stomp on the roof. The event originated as a "no-notice

hospitality Hospitality is the relationship of a host towards a guest, wherein the host receives the guest with some amount of goodwill and welcome. This includes the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. Louis de Jaucourt, Louis, ...

check" in flying units, where pilots proceeded to a commander's residence to check their ability to entertain the group with beverages, food, and entertainment. Frequently, the location or target is determined based on not being present when the majority of a squadron determines a squadron party needs to happen. Members proceed directly to their squadron mate's house and stomp on the roof in an attempt to be let in. Originally these events were intended as surprises, but more frequently now, the member's significant other is notified to prepare and make necessary arrangements for the gathering. It is an "informal celebration recognizing a new

commander Commander (commonly abbreviated as Cmdr.) is a common naval officer rank as well as a job title in many army, armies. Commander is also used as a rank or title in other formal organizations, including several police forces. In several countri ...

, a

retirement Retirement is the withdrawal from one's position or occupation or from one's active working life. A person may also semi-retire by reducing work hours or workload. Many people choose to retire when they are elderly or incapable of doing their j ...

or other special event." A variation of the roof stomp tradition is the "

porch A porch (; , ) is a room or gallery located in front of an entrance to a building. A porch is placed in front of the façade of a building it commands, and forms a low front. Alternatively, it may be a vestibule (architecture), vestibule (a s ...

stomp". According to Greg Tims:

Traditionally, a roof stomp is where you greet a new commander or celebrate some sort of special occasion by climbing up on the commander's roof and begin to make a LOT of noise while others are outside banging on the windows and doors. When he or she opens the door, the commander invites the group in for food and drink.

References

{{Reflist

External links

"Glossary"
(2008), ''4 Military Families.com''. Archived 2 April 2012. Military traditions United States Air Force Military culture

See also

References

External links