Photo By Sgt. Charlie Helmholt | Marine Maj. Dan J. Macsay, commanding officer of the Marine Corps Security Forces...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - The Marine Corps Security Force Company hosted the 240th Marine Corps Ball for Joint Task Force Guantanamo and U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, residents at the Windjammer Ballroom Nov. 14.
The event was a unique experience for many of those who attended the ball.
“Usually this event is reserved for only the Marines, but since we’re in a joint environment, we’re able to celebrate with all our brothers and sisters of other armed services and civilian employees and everyone who lives and works with us every day,” said Marine 1st Sgt. Joshua C. Wruble, MCSFCO company first sergeant. “That’s what really makes it special.”
Some of the signature portions of the event included the color guard and cake ceremony, each featuring the synchronized drilling and crisp movements for which Marine details are known.
“The Marines were phenomenal,” said Wruble. “They practiced day in and day out getting screamed at all day long, switching between (decorating with) staple guns and then practice drilling ceremonies. I couldn’t be more proud of how our Marines performed this evening.”
Members of the crowd echoed Wruble’s sentiments about the performance and the evening as a whole.
“It’s another wonderful event by the Marine Corps,” said JTF Commander Navy Rear Adm. Peter J. Clarke. “Everything the Marine Corps does is first class, the history and camaraderie is second to none. I’m always in awe and it was an honor to be here and to have participated.”
Marine Staff Sgt. Esteban Jaureguy, assistant operations chief with MCSFCO, gave credit to some of the people who made the entire event possible, including Marine Sgt. Louwan Brake, administrative chief, who led the color guard, Marine Staff Sgt. Bobby A. Cox, platoon sergeant, who led the line of escorts and Maj. Dan H. Macsay, commanding officer of the MCSFCO and Wruble.
“It was a command effort,” said Juareguy. “About 40-50 people worked on the ball … we started on Monday morning and didn’t finish until three hours before the ball tonight.”
The MCSFCO invited retired Marine Staff Sgt. Gregory L. Hall, a resident civilian contractor to be the guest speaker for the night.
Wruble said he invited Hall to help explain what it means to be in the Marine Corps serving in GTMO.
“Most speakers are the one percent of the one percent – the Medal of Honor recipients, Silver Star awardees...,” said Hall. “I was just one of the ground pounders but I wanted to tell the audience that no matter who you are, you actually make a difference. The entire armed forces work perfectly because you do your job.”
Hall said he was honored to be selected by Wruble and the committee to be the guest speaker for the celebration. He said it was important to explain to the audience that the armed forces requires average service members to do great things to the best of their ability and that will be what defines the future of the Marines.
“This is the best Marine Corps Ball that I’ve been to,” said Hall. “The mixed atmosphere and being able to explain what the Marine Corps is and what it’s about is what I hope to have been able to explain to the audience tonight.”
Wruble was pleased with the outcome of the ball and was gracious for the GTMO community’s support.
“My faith in Marines is renewed by everyone coming out and support what it is (that) we’re doing tonight, and the birth of the Marine Corps,” said Wruble. Following the festivities and a weeklong effort of hard work, Wruble and his Marines let loose on the dance floor, challenging each other to show off their best Michael Jackson moves. Whereas the smooth 1st Sgt. won initial fan appeal for his dance move, the younger Marines triumphantly won crowd favor at the end.
| Date Taken: | 11.20.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 02.29.2016 17:09 |
| Story ID: | 190499 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 118 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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