On a beautiful Saturday evening, with the sun setting in the west, the blue sky punctuated by billowing white clouds and the green hillsides from the gentle rains that fell, the 2015 Military Ball was held at the Saboba Country Club on January 31, form 6 p.m. til 11:30 p.m. The evening was formal and social as cadets in uniform and ladies in their gowns, along with their dates and family celebrated a semester of learning, growing, promotions, and a night out with friends, all while being entertained by the music of Mr. Boulton and the Hemet High School Jazz Band.
See Video of evening by clicking here.
The evening began with a social hour where cadets talked, laughed, shared many selfies and mingled with one another. The formal program began with the presentation of colors and they playing of the national anthem. The benediction followed and was give by Captain Randee Huffman. Cadets were then asked to charge their glasses by 2nd Lt Dahlia Serrato and present a toast to many dignitaries and commanders including the President, Defense Secretary, and others as the students read the toast, and then sipped from their glasses.
Chief Master Sergeant Valentine came forward to pay tribute to our Prisoners of War (POW) and those missing in action (MIA). A small table was set front and center. The setting included hats which represented each of the five branches of our Untied States Military. The table was set aside as a reminder of those who fought in defense of our country, so that we could enjoy the freedom and privileges we have today.
Cadet Colonel Jordan Randall introduced Lt Colonel Harrison who then spoke and welcomed the guest for the evening and giving thanks. Then it was time for dinner of tri-tip beef and chicken with rice and vegetables as the tables were dismissed to begin their dinner portion of the evening. With food on the table, the music of the Jazz Band playing, and great conversations with friends and family, this was a night to remember for everyone, especially the seniors who have been with this program throughout high school. This night represented a culmination of all their had work and efforts.
After dinner, recognition was give out for Cadets of the semester:
Airman Mason Forqueran
Airman Gabriel Valenzuela
Airman Shaunee King
SSgt Anthony Howard
1st Lt Cole Baca-Akkerman
Major Randee Huffman
Promotions were awarded to . . .
1st Lieutenant - Makayla Sandoval
1st Lieutenant - Cole Baca-Akkerman
Major - Christopher Petersen
Major - Randee Huffman
Flight Awards were earned by:
Academics - Charlie Flight
Drill - Echo Flight
Service Projects - Alpha Flight
Inspections - Charlie Flight
Outstanding Flight - Charlie Flight
Then came the crowing of the Royal Court for the evening. There were two freshmen classes and the prince’s were Anthony Kifer and Alejandro Gutierrez and princesses were Alicaia Meendoza and Destiny Lopez. For the sophomores, the prince was Austin Kenddrick and the princess was Kaytlin Barr junior prince was Hunter Cobb and MeKayla Sandoval was princess. Then the King and Queen of the court was announced as Queen Victoria Zazucta and King Chris Peterson. After all the photo’s had been taken, the Royal Court took to the dance floor for the first dance of the evening. Soon after all the congratulations were given, the dancing took over as the night trailed off with more great memories being made each moment.
Soon it was time to leave this night behind and continue with the lives we each lead, always remembering what we are doing and who we are serving as representatives of AFJrROTC.