The ROTC Color Guard opens the event with a traditional colors ceremony.
BRONX, NY – Students in Truman’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) donned their uniforms, their hair perfectly trimmed and styled, and joined their dates for what could be compared to “prom night” for members of their organization. The annual Military Ball and Dining Out event was held on May 13, 2016 in the 6th floor culinary cafe. It marks the end of another year in the program as graduating seniors say goodbye and incoming freshman celebrate the completion of their inaugural year.
Sgt Daniel P. Anderson of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ receives certificates of honor from MSgts Persing and Messina.
The event kicked off with a formal opening ceremony, invocation and toasts. That was followed by a somber ceremony to honor and remember service members who are prisoners of war or missing in action (POW/MIA). After dinner, the students heard from MSgt Daniel P. Anderson, from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ. He spoke to them about finding their passion in life, learning from failures, and not allowing their environment to dictate their future. The speech was warmly received by everyone in attendance. Anderson was also honored by the corps for donations made to the program by him and his wife, who operates a business that helps active-duty military members with basic needs like furniture.
Later in the evening, several students were also honored by being formally inducted into the Kitty Hawk Air Society. Membership in the honor society is extended to cadets who score a grade average of 80 percent or higher, and who participate in extended community service projects outside of the classroom.
Click here to see photos from the event.
“Preparing the Grog” is a comical annual tradition at the Military Ball.