... annnnd we're back

Alllrighty then... let's try to get caught up a bit. Let me start with last night and I'll work my way backwards. Last night was our Birthday Ball. For those of you not familiar with what that means, let me 'splain.

The Marine Corps was founded by a resolution of the Continental Congress on 10 November 1775. In 1921 General John A. LeJeune (13th Commandant of the Marine Corps) directed that all commands commemorate the birthday of the Corps with a special meal and a cake cutting ceremony. Over the years, that tradition has evolved into the Marine Corps ball.

Last night the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing upheld tradition and threw a ball at the Sheraton on Harbor Drive (near the airport). We attended and even brought another couple as our guests. Since it was the Wing HQ's ball, the entire 3rd MAW Band was there and they performed a motivating set before the actual ceremony started. The ceremony itself was just as I remembered all the ones I played in and the ones I've attended since leaving the band field. I saw a few of the bandsmen who were deployed with us this year and they all seem to be doing well. The guest of honor told two stories as preludes to his speech, which he never gave. He said the point of the ball wasn't to listen to some retired 3-star run his suck for 20 minutes, but to commemorate who we are and what we do. So we did.

After dinner the music got really loud so the four of us took a walk down by the harbor and talked for a bit until it got too cold and we returned to the hotel and ballroom. We managed to get in a couple of dances and left around 11. It was not a bad evening and our friends seemed to have a good time. Of course, the last time we took a civilian couple they ended up leaving for another job location and I haven't spoken to them since. I hope that doesn't happen this time.

I know what you're saying. "Wait a second. I thought they had two little kids. What happened to them?" Well, my parents have been in town for a week and they stayed with the kids for us. They've actually stayed with the kids probably more than I have during this time off from work, but that's where I'll start my next entry. Until then, have a great week and Happy Birthday, Chesty (wherever you are)!