Photo By Sgt. 1st Class John Carkeet IV | Members of the Espaillat family gather for a group photo during the Maj. Gen....... read more read more
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Hundreds of service members and veterans accompanied by their friends and loved ones gathered at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando Dec. 16, 2017, to celebrate the 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)’s inaugural Maj. Gen. Francisco A. Espaillat Victory Ball.
Previously dubbed the Lt. Gen. (Retired) Jack C. Stultz Military Ball, Stultz, and the 143d ESC command team agreed to rename the ball in honor of Espaillat, a former 143d ESC commanding general who passed away Apr. 8 while assigned as general officer support for the Office of the Chief of the Army Reserve at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
“Espaillat was a friend, leader, and inspiration to us all,” said Brig. Gen. Deborah L. Kotulich, commanding general, 143d ESC. “We are honored that his family accepted our invitation to join us as we dedicate this evening to a fine Soldier, model citizen and loving father who served his adopted nation with distinction for nearly 35 years.”
The Victory Ball featured distinguished guest and keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Steven W. Ainsworth, commanding general, 377th Theater Sustainment Command.
The guests upheld American military tradition by conducting traditional ceremonial functions such as the presentation of the colors, singing the national anthem, and offering toasts dedicated to the Soldiers, families and fallen heroes of the United States Army.
Pride and patriotism gave way to somber reflection when a spotlight pierced the dim ballroom to illuminate a small candlelight dinner table that epitomized all American prisoners of war as well as the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Lopes concluded the melancholy affair when he silently marched to the table of Margaret Good Espaillat, widow of the late Francisco Espaillat. Lopes led the Gold Star Spouse to the POW and Fallen Soldier Table where together they lit the lone candle that would flicker brightly for the remainder of the evening.
Ainsworth and Kotulich expressed their gratitude to the people who planned, organized, sponsored and supported the event. The commanding generals also commended their guests for their service, support and sacrifice as the 143d ESC prepares for next year’s deployment.
“All of us look up to someone, and someone always looks up to us,” said Ainsworth. “Your words and actions can very well change the course of another’s life. Demonstrate the qualities that you expect from your mentors, and take the time to ‘take a knee’ by spending quality time with your friends and family. Without their love and support, the Army Reserve would simply cease to exist.”
The Victory Ball officially concluded with a hearty rendition of the Army Song and a musical performance of the “Atropia Rap,” an original ballad penned by the command’s support operations team during an intense, three-week training exercise at Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pa. The departure of the official party did not deter many guests from remaining in the ballroom to take photos, show off their favorite dance moves, or share fond memories with old friends while sipping their favorite beverage.
“This event personifies the 143d ESC,” said Kotulich. “This command is more than a premiere logistics unit. It’s a community of caring individuals dedicated to the success of its Soldiers and their families.”
| Date Taken: | 12.16.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 02.02.2018 08:45 |
| Story ID: | 259690 |
| Location: | ORLANDO NAVAL TRAINING CENTER, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 128 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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