ROTC Celebrates Purpose at Military Ball

On the Saturday of Valentine's weekend, the ROTC Eagle Battalion hosted their annual Military Ball. The Military Ball is a time when the unit can share in a more formal time of recognition as well as build morale, motivation and esprit de corps. This year the black tie event was held on campus at Stokely Memorial Cafeteria. ROTC cadets and cadre, as well as their families and escorts, attended the invitation-only event. Several CNC faculty with direct correlation to the ROTC program, including some of the nursing department staff, were also in attendance.

The evening began at 5 p.m. with a time of socializing and hors d'oeuvres, which ARAMARK provided. The formal part of the ball began at 6 p.m. with a receiving line through which each guest entered the main dining area after being introduced to the evenings key personnel. The seniors and their escorts were introduced and entered under an arch formed by the saber guard.

Following the introduction of the seniors, an honor guard reminded all of the sacrifice made by those not in attendance. The color guard led by CSM Slack was comprised of MS-III (junior year) cadets. They presented and retired the colors for the evening.

One key part of every military ball is the grog bowl ceremony. Ingredients are added to a punch that are representative of each military science class, each cadre member and each branch of the graduating seniors. This years concoction was highlighted by cayenne pepper which provided a spicy taste and an eruption of coughing during the toasts. However, this was appeased by the serving of a three-course meal.

The guest speaker for the evening was unable to attend so a brief speech was given by Professor of Military Science Lt. Col. Hanley. During his speech he emphasized the future responsibilities of the cadets in their careers as Army officers, as well as focusing on some highlights from his personal career.

Following Lt. Col. Hanley's speech everyone watched a slideshow presentation highlighting the cadets and their activities within the battalion during the past year. The senior cadets were given special notice during this presentation.

Upon some closing remarks from Lt. Col. Hanley, the dance floor opened with the seniors taking the first dance followed by all who wished to participate. Among the seniors recognized were: Adriel Schmitt, Jenna Donahue, Laura Kress, Denise Ocanas, Jared Peacock, Jessica Fitzgerald, Jessica Hemming, Bryan Edkin, Benjamin Fry, Adam Cable, Beau Norton, Elise Bartram, Madelyn Stinehour, Kerry Chaffin and Ashley Hall.