2nd BCT has Brigade Formal

Photo By Pfc. Susan Blair | Paratroopers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division do the "Electric Slide" at the inaugural Falcon Combat Team Ball.  

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

05.02.2006

Courtesy Story

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FORT BRAGG, N.C.- The 82nd Airborne Division's, 2nd Brigade Combat Team hosted its inaugural Falcon Combat Team Ball at the Charlie Rose Expo Center, April 21.

The Ball was the first formal event held since the Brigade transformed into a Combat Team in January.

Lt. Gen. John Vines, Commander, XVIII Airborne Corps, was the guest speaker of the evening.
"You are American heroes in every sense of the word," said Vines as he addressed the Falcons. "It's an honor being here with you tonight, thanks for all the hard work that you do."

Vines revved up the crowd by closing his remarks with the Falcons" motto.

"Airborne, All the Way, Let's Go," he said.

In addition to Vines being the guest speaker, the evening also included the posting of the colors, toasts, a video of Falcon paratroopers in action, a performance by the 82nd Brass Quartet, door prizes, and dancing.

A lot of hard work went into the Brigade Ball and all the Paratroopers who attended seemed to enjoy themselves.

"It was a good time," said 1st Lt. Ryan Watson, Assistant Brigade Personnel Officer. " A lot of hard work went into the ball from the battalions and brigade staff." Watson also felt that Vines" speech was motivating with a lot of history from the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, which was the original regiment of 2nd Brigade before the transformation.

"It's was nice to have a former commander who had been in the 325th come back and talk to the Brigade," said Watson. "The speech was very well done."

For some Paratroopers it was their first military formal. Pvt. Charlie Tyra, B Battery, 2nd Battalion of 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, thought the Inaugural ball was "nice" and that it was good experience for his first military formal.

Some of the females had a good time because it gave them a chance to get out of their combat boots and put on a pair of heels.

"It was fun to get dressed up for a change and nice to see everyone dressed up," said Karen Wawrzyk a guest to the ball.

The evening ceremony ended with the Honor Guard retiring the Battalion colors and the dancing and socializing began. The ball was a success.

"It was a very successful, high quality ball," said Watson.

• Date Taken: 05.02.2006
• Date Posted: 05.02.2006 09:54
• Story ID: 6214
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US