Shine those buttons! Military Ball is a big event for ROTC cadets
The Central Michigan University's Reserve Officer Training Corps will be inducting hall of fame alumni and hosting distinguished guests at the casino this weekend.
The ROTC will host its 57th annual Military Ball at 6 p.m, Saturday at Soaring Eagle Inn and Conference Center, 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd.
The military ball is an annual event which is organized and put on by the junior cadets of the ROTC program at CMU. The ball features a distinguished guest list and is a showcase of military ceremony and tradition.
Cadet Sgt. First Class Alexeis Alexander, an Imlay City junior and Cadet Eric Gustafson, a Spring Lake junior are coordinating the ball.
"It prepares them for functions such as this, which they're going to have to put together once they become officers," said Lt. Col. Aaron Kalloch, chairman of the military science department. "Second, it gives them a better sense of the military culture they're going into."
Alumni and cadets' friends and family are among the guest list.
University President Michael Rao is one of the distinguished guests. Gary Shapiro, dean the College of Humanities and Social and Behavior Services, and Associate Dean Pamela Gates, also have been invited.
One highlight is the induction of new members to the ROTC Hall of Fame. This year, two new members will be inducted. Col. Lawrence Clayton and Col. Theodore Hummel. Both are members of CMU's graduating class of 1958.
"Inductees are usually alumni who not only have outstanding records of military service, but also have gone on to done great things outside of the military," Kalloch said.
There are several other ceremonial acts involved in the ball.
"There is always a tribute - a moment to remember POW/MIA," Alexander said. "There are speeches, toasts and other traditional ceremonies."
Alexander stressed the ball is an exciting occasion for the cadets.
"This is a huge event for us," she said.
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