JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
If you've never been to a military ball, then Saturday, Oct. 23 is a night you want to mark on your calendar. That evening, Charleston will see its first ever, joint service military ball in the Charleston area.
On bases around the world, each branch of the military usually holds an evening of ceremony, fine dining and dancing to honor the birthday of their respective service. This year, in what promises to become a longstanding tradition, Joint Base Charleston will combine the Navy and Air Force birthday celebrations into the Joint Base Inaugural Ball. The theme for this year's ball is Joint Traditions, New Horizons. Not only will each service's birthday be celebrated, but this year's ceremony will be special to Lowcountry Warriors due to the recent merging of the Air Force Base with the Naval Weapons Station.
This year's ball is being held at the North Charleston Convention Center with cocktails beginning at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. The ceremony for this year's celebration will include the best traditions from both Air Force and Navy. The guest speaker will be Medal of Honor recipient Marine Corps Major General (Ret) James Livingston. Music for the evening will be provided by local band The Cool, which will be playing hits from the last four decades.
According to Erika Figueroa, 628th Air Base Wing protocol specialist, this year's ball will go down in history as the must attend event of the year. "The military ball is not just for officers and senior enlisted. Retirees, Reservists and civilian friends of the military are all welcome to our celebration. We have a program lined up that will inspire everyone," said Figueroa.
On-sight child care will be available at very reasonable rates. Additionally, government room rates will apply for those wishing to spend the evening. A shuttle will provide round-trip transportation to the ball from both JB Charleston commissaries for people who don't wish to drive.
Tickets for the event are still available and can be purchased through ITT on JB Charleston WS and through the following points of contact:
Staff Sgt J. Houghton 628 ABW Staff 963-8002
Senior Airman Stephanie Rowe 628 AMDS 963-6845
2nd Lt. Kathleen Grieshop 628 CES 963-3943
2nd Lt. Tanya Koch 628 COMM 963-8179
Tech. Sgt. Susan Reinhart 628 CONS 963-5159
2nd Lt. Puffenbarger 628 CONS 963-5166
2nd Lt. Shannan Hansen 628 FSS 963-5519
Staff Sgt. Kristofer Sekely 628 LRS 963-4236
Master Sgt. George Antolick 628 MDOS 963-6743
Senior Airman John Domingo 628 MDSS 963-6529
Tech. Sgt. Leonardo Thompson 437 APS 963-3213
Master Sgt. Brian Collins 437 AMXS 963-6060
Senior Master Sgt. Rickie Bellamy 437/315SFS 963-3612
Tech. Sgt. Robert Wilkinson 437 MXS 963-4689
Staff Sgt. Taylor Harrell 437 OG 963-4782
Staff Sgt. Shawna Badillo 437 OG 963-5578
Senior Airman Jared Cochell 437 OG 963-3016
2nd Lt. Joseph Simms 315 AW 963-2034
Cmd. Senior Chief Cleophus Flint JB CHS-WS 901-0039