The words we use in the course of our daily duties not only impart their technical meaning, they also impart images of the Air Force to other military members and the population at large. It is this fact that helps me prove conclusively that we, in our desire to be politically correct and in a misguided and purposeful attempt to demilitarize the Air Force, have done it to ourselves. Thoughts of a messy room. What you call it does not chance what it is. More than lost, really - the military connection is purposely downplayed.
College campuses have dining facilities.
The profession of arms should eat in a mess hall or a chow hall. Yes, this can be a very well designed, well lit, well staffed facility with outstanding food. It can win the Hennessey Award repeatedly. But, it should still be called a mess hall or a chow hall. To do any less is to deliberately deny our heritage and our profession.