My first Marine Corps Ball

I learned tonight that I had never been to a Marine Corps Ball. I had only been to an officers ball. Tonight was my first Marine Corp Ball.

It was hosted by CLR 37, enlisted Marines and officers were both in attendance. Because both enlisted and officers were present, this makes it a true Marine Corps Ball.

Much like the other balls there is a formal ceremony, cutting of the birthday cake, dinner and dancing.
As we arrived to the Butler O Club, we witnessed a lady getting out of her car. As she begins to stand up, she realizes she has a dirty diaper speared on her heel. She freaks out a little, throws it back into the car and then proceeds to follow us in. I knew this was the start of a fun and interesting evening.

Once we were seated out our table, the ceremony began. There is a bunch of standing and sitting. You stand for the prayer, the entering of the colors, the entering of the guests, etc. Lots of up down, up down. The first time we stood for the prayer and then sat back down the right strap on my dress broke.

First thought was, oh no, next thought was what if my dress falls down. But oh well, just deal. My dress fit tight enough it was fine. No on even noticed. Later in the night a friend tied the strap to the other for a more secure hold. I'll take it back to the place who altered it, here in oki and have her fix it for free!

At dinner we sat with the Lt. Colonel and his wife, a Major and his wife and a Navy Chaplin. Everyone was very nice and welcoming. I was a little worried about sitting at that table, but it all worked out.

The Lt. Colonel and his wife shared how to travel to Tokyo on SpaceA flights and also where to stay. It was nice to hear a first hand story from someone who has done it with a family of 7. Surely Bill and I can do the same.

For dinner we were served a land and sea combo. Steak, fish and a crab cake on mashed potatoes and veggies. Not a bad meal, but nothing great.

For desert we had Marine Corps Birthday Cake. Yum! I love cake. And then the dancing started.

It was fun. There was good music, friends were there, we had a great time. I also had an opportunity to meet some of the people Bill works with in his office and chat with them.

Thanks CLR 37 for throwing a great Marine Corps Birthday Ball!