Photo By Staff Sgt. Tyrone Williams | Service members and guests gathered at the newly renovated D.C. National Guard Armory...... read more read more
WASHINGTON - Light jazz music plays and a red carpet cushions your steps as you walk onto the drill floor. You see that a banquet-like set up has been constructed. The lighting is dim and intimate. Service members in their dress uniforms and their guests sit dressed in suits or evening gowns. Beautiful bows are draped around coordinating seats. The lights from above highlight shiny silverware and coordinating flowers. Light conversation and laughter float about the room. Then, the conversations and music stop as the master of ceremony calls for the ceremony to begin.
This is the 2014 D.C. National Guard Military Ball.
Service members and guests gathered at the D.C. National Guard Armory to participate in a military ball Jan. 11 to foster morale and reflect on achievements in the organization.
“A tremendous amount of work goes into putting an event like this together,” said Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, commanding general, D.C. National Guard. “I would like to recognize all those who helped plan and organize this wonderful event.”
The D.C. National Guard Military Ball is a special occasion. The drill floor, normally used for promotion ceremonies and briefings, was transformed into a banquet hall. A full stage was constructed to host a live band, Soul Patrol. Two photos booths were provided for guests who wanted to take pictures. The night was one to remember.
“It was a well thought-out decision to have the have the military ball here,” said Staff Sgt. Roselyn Lawson, Readiness noncommissioned officer for Delta Company 1-224. “We are the pillars and foundations of the local community and this community is a big part of the D.C. National Guard.”
After the toast and opening ceremony, dinner was served. There was a choice between Atlantic salmon stuffed with blue crab, oven-roasted chicken slow cooked in an herb broth or pasta primavera tossed with tri-color cheese tortellini.
Members of the community were also invited out for the big event.
“This is a timeless tradition of the DC National Guard,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Derrick Kanouse, human resource officer for the command staff. “We invited distinguished guests such as Fire Chief Kenneth B. Ellerbe, Robert Brannum, the president Emeritus of the D.C. Federation of Civic Associations, and Hector Lamas, a case manager with the Capital Guardian Youth Challenge Program to help us celebrate.”
The night also included a cake-cutting ceremony, where service members representing different ranks and organizations came together to cut a cake.
“We are proud and excited to celebrate our rich heritage and remain prepared to respond to any emergency at a moment’s notice,” said Schwartz.
The night ended with a meet and greet and after party with music supplied by DJ Rough.
| Date Taken: | 01.11.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 01.12.2014 13:28 |
| Story ID: | 119063 |
| Location: | WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, US |
| Web Views: | 519 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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