'Dragon Strike' Battalion Holds Military Ball

By Capt. Corrina Ray, 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Briga

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment "Dragon Strike," 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, held their annual Military Ball earlier this month at the Army and Air Force Exchange Service World Headquarters Skyline Lounge here.

The event continued one of the Army's oldest traditions by bringing Soldiers and their Families together to celebrate.

Sgt. 1st Class Anthoney Vernon, right, senior Human Resources noncommissioned officer, with 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, enjoys the unit's Military Ball in Dallas Dec. 1 with his parents and his guest, Shon Bradford, second from right. "It was very professional and friendly," Bradford said. "I felt like I knew everyone there, and I had a ball." Photo: 1st Sgt. Mary Jackson, 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West

"It was an awesome event. The food, layout and program were very nice and entertaining," said Sgt. 1st Class Anthoney Vernon, senior Human Resources noncommissioned officer. "I was very elated when my raffle number was called and I won a hunter's survival kit."

After a social hour, everyone was welcomed into the ball room by the battalion and brigade commanders in the receiving line. This was followed by the posting of the colors, an invocation, and a prisoner of war and missing in action remembrance ceremony.

In keeping with one of the most entertaining traditions of the Army, a member of each team in the regiment added a significant ingredient into a grog bowl and several toasts were made. After the toasts, attendees enjoyed a buffet-style dinner.

Maj. Julian Dodd, right, executive officer of 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West, poses for a picture with Brig. Gen. Scott Donahue, Army Reserve Command deputy chief of staff, G-3/5/7, at the regiment's Military Ball in Dallas. Donahue was guest speaker at the event. Photo: 1st Sgt. Mary Jackson, 2nd Battalion, 381st Regiment, 479th Field Artillery Brigade, Division West

Brig. Gen. Scott "Rock" Donahue, the deputy chief of staff and director, Readiness Core Enterprise of the United States Army Reserve Command G-3/5/7, was the guest speaker for the ball.

"His words were very profound, and I was moved," said Dr. Valerie Williams, D.D.S., a guest of a Dragon Strike Soldier.

At the conclusion of the formal event, the colors were retired, and an evening of dancing and socializing began.