Photo By Staff Sgt. April Melton | Soldiers and family members of the 5th Armored Brigade and 402nd Field Artillery...... read more read more
Subscribe
EL PASO, Texas – On March 11, 671 soldiers, family members, elegantly clad ladies and distinguished guests came together for an unforgettable evening of camaraderie, sumptuous food, military ceremonies and entertainment during the 5th Armored Brigade and 402nd Field Artillery Brigade Grand Ball held at the El Paso Convention Center.
The evening began with all the pomp and circumstance expected at an event of this type as the 62nd Army Band entertained the guests as they made their way into the ball room. The commanders of the sister brigades – Col. William J. Schafer, commander, 5th Armored Bde. and Col. Kirk Nilsson, commander, 402nd Field Artillery Bde.- started off the evening honoring those who were wounded during our recent conflicts and were in attendance at the ball.
“I … want to recognize our wounded. I am reminded of General George Washington’s order number 3 which states, ‘Let it be known that he who wears the military order of the Purple Heart has given of his blood in the defense of his homeland and shall forever be revered by his fellow countrymen.’ We have several present here tonight who have given blood in defense of his fellow countrymen,” said Nilsson.
During the formal portion of the Ball, key leaders from each of the battalions from both brigades made their contributions to the grog bowl. The ingredients added to the grog featured drinks from the various conflicts the two brigades have been involved in throughout their history.
Later, guest speaker for the evening, Maj. Gen. Charles Anderson, commanding general, First Army Division West, took time to praise the Soldiers for all the hard work they do and thank the family members for their sacrifices they make while the war-fighter is away.
“Most of you tonight have selflessly dedicated the better part of your adult life in service of your country,” said Anderson. “You all are part of a military organization that is second to none and you have been instrumental in producing what is publicly declared by all nations in the world as the world’s greatest fighting force.”
For many in attendance, this wasn’t their first military ball. Many have been to numerous outings during their military career.
“I hate to say it, but overall this is probably the best one I’ve been to,” according to Mrs. Claudia Davenport, wife of Command Sgt. Major David S. Davenport, Fort Bliss installation command sergeant major. “I have never seen a ball this attended before. This is mind-blowing, and to travel … to participate in the family readiness events, but also for this Ball is amazing. You guys have outdone yourself from last year.”
On the other hand, for some family members in attendance, this was their first formal military event of any kind and it gave them a positive, refined perspective on the military.
“It actually shows [my wife] a bigger picture of the military, it’s not just me,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jesus Pinera, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 402nd Field Artillery Bde. “There are other soldiers out there and they can be in a formal setting, not just in the dirt and dust and sand with weapons and smelling like grease. There is a more formal side to the military and she’s seeing it right now.”
Not only did the Grand Ball give the soldiers of the brigades a chance to socialize away from the training lanes where they prepare war fighters for combat missions, or the office, but it was a chance for them and their significant others to enjoy a night out together.
“This is a great evening, we have the twins at the house with the babysitter so it’s just a good time for me and my wife to enjoy each other,” said Capt. Steven Trice, 3rd Bn., 361st Regt., “Mountain Warrior,” 5th Armored Bde. “This is outstanding, the food was great, the music is real good, the speaker was great - he got to the point - and it was inspirational.”
Staff Sgt. Allan Thomas, 3rd Bn., 362nd Regt., “Stallion,” sang the National Anthem that evening.
“I felt good, it’s not the first one I’ve sang at; it was very comfortable for me, but I love doing it, because any time you sing the National Anthem it’s an honor,” said Thomas.
The evening ended with music provided by El Paso’s own Fungi Mungle Band, and Disc Jockey Staff Sgt. Joe Michaelson, 2nd Battalion, 356th Regiment, “Redball,” 402nd Field Artillery Bde., kept the music going during the band’s breaks to keep the fun rolling throughout the night.
| Date Taken: | 03.11.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.18.2011 13:54 |
| Story ID: | 67301 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 147 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Two brigades, one Grand Ball, one night of fun and history, by SFC Brian Scott, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
LEAVE A COMMENT