The 22nd Annual Military Ball was held at the reception room on top of the Hemet Library on February 9, 2013 on behalf of the officers of CA-922. Cadets, dates, administration and families attended the meet and greet, dinner, awards, and dance for the evening. The ladies were dressed in flowing gowns while the gentlemen wore their cadet blue’s.
After checking in and being assigned their table for the evening, AFJROTC officers met everyone as they entered the event. Students filled the cool evening air with excitement, honor, spirit and pride of the events to come.
As the evening began, everyone stood respectfully for the presentation of the colors, introductions were announced of special invited guest of Hemet High administration and family representatives. Many customary toasts where recited as the cadets stood, charged their glasses and honored those of special interest.
Cadet Col Kimberly Barrera, 1st semester Group Commander introduced the evening speakers, starting with Lt Col Harrison, who also made a toast. CMSgt Valentine spoke of the table set in the middle of the room for the MIA/POW’s ceremony, and how each item on the table had a special and significant meaning. As she spoke, cadets place a hat of each of the five service branches on the table. The final toast was to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Dinner was then served of chicken, roast or vegetarian to the attendees. Students were also encouraged to get to the photographers for their special event photo.
As the dinner came to a close, time was give to recognize the top Flight Awards. These awards were given to those companies who had the highest combined scores in many categories. Top Flight Awards were give for Drill, Service, Academics, Inspections, and the overall Outstanding Flight. Lt. Col Harrison called up the winners from the Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Echo companies. Lt Col Harrison then proceeded to introduce Msgt Ed Brackins with a well deserved, heartfelt recognition of all his work and efforts for the past 17 years, and how, after Harrison and CMSgt Valentine assumed their posts, how Brackins showed them by example of how a top quality program is run and as a team, they have become stronger.
Msgt Ed Brackins announced all the promotions by cadets and issued promotion medals, ribbons and insignia’s to those who earned them. Cadet Lt Col Dustin Stewart, 2nd semester Group Commander helped with the deliver of awards. Special recognition was also give to those who achieve perfect attendance as well as those who earned a 4.0 GPA in school.
The biggest honors were of the Royal Court, announced by Msgt Ed Brackins starting with the freshmen princesses and princes; Erin Brower and Cheyene Clemons princesses and David Valenzuela and Hunter Cobb, princes. Sophomore princess was Audrey Stoffel and prince was Eduardo Romero. Junior princess was April Gomez and prince was Jesus Albada. The King and Queen were announced as Queen Kimberly Barrera and King Joshua Walker.
The evening concluded with a dance by a DJ and the students expending energy on getting Msgt Ed Brackins, CMSgt Valentine and Lt Col Harrison out on the dance floor, however it really didn’t take that much effort as the three were happy to be out with their cadets for this festive occasion.
As the evening ended at 11 p.m., students continued to mingle as their rides home showed up, they talked about the evening and the special moments that each of them shared not only on this night, but in becoming friends and teammates through this program called AFJROTC.
This, and all Military Balls enhance the esprit de corps of units, give commanders and opportunity to meet socially with subordinates, and enable military members of all ranks to create bonds of friendships and better working relations through an atmosphere of good fellowship.
HHS AFJROTC change of command will be presented at Hemet High School as all participants will be in uniform dress.