FORT RILEY - Allan Rothlisberg and his wife, Sandy, shared a table for two at the Sweetheart Dinner and Dance Feb. 12 at Riley's Conference Center, reminiscing about the first time they danced.
"We met at our 40th High School Reunion, and when we danced, it felt so natural," Sandy said.
The day after the reunion, Allan called Sandy, and after being questioned by her friends, the two began dating, Allan recalled.
The couple was married July 30, 2004.
"We came for our first Valentine's Day to this event, and we've been coming ever since," Allan said.
The Rothlisbergs return each year, they said, because they enjoy the food and atmosphere.
"The service is great, and it's not crowded and loud like some other places on Valentine's Day," Sandy said.
More than 50 couples sat at tables for two or with a group of friends in the dimly lit ballroom, with candles on the tables and soft music playing in the background.
The couples ate a five-course meal consisting of soup, salad, bruschetta and a main course, with a chocolate fountain flowing in the background for dessert.
Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Ian Mann, and his wife, Kim, enjoyed a quiet dinner before hitting the dance floor with other couples.
"Our spouses do so much for our Soldiers, and this is a nice way to thank them and let them know how much we appreciate them," Mann said.
James Jones and his wife, Dorothy, said they drove all the way from Salina to attend the event.
"We saw the advertisement in the Commissary and thought it would be a fun night together," Dorothy said.
Capt. Erin Trejo, 97th Military Police Battalion, said she brought her fiancAfA, PJ Fritzler, to the dinner and dance for an evening of good food and dancing.
"We met at a dance class in Kansas City and have been dancing together since," Trejo said.
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