The annual Army Ball was successfully held on Friday, February 23rd, 2024, in Plumley Armory, continuing the old Army traditions at Norwich.
“This Army Ball was better than last year, a lot better. We had more events this year, and I would love to go there again,” said Tyler Ketron, a senior corps of cadets criminal justice major from Fort Myers, Florida
Given the rising temperatures, melting snow, proximity to spring break, upcoming Field Training Exercise (FTX), and Commissioning later in the semester, the decision to hold the Army Ball at this juncture was deemed opportune.
The Army Ball was divided into two distinct segments. One where attendees and their dates could converge on the dance floor, and the other featured a designated cocktail hour, the grog ceremony, and the Missing Man Table.
Attendance at this year’s Army Ball was significant. With diverse participation from the cadets to select Army Cadre members. Brigadier General Tracey Poirer, a Norwich alumnus, and Army Officer, was invited as the 2024 Army Ball guest Speaker.
“There will be a sleep-through if you go, said Isabella Dunning, a senior corps of cadets criminal justice major from Smyrna, Delaware, who was the OIC at Army Ball. “Sleep-through for the company with the highest attendance, and juniors can get extra credit.”
To enhance the event’s enjoyment, Sodexo provided a bar accepting both cash and card payments, which was operational throughout the ball.
Stringent guidelines were enforced concerning alcohol consumption, ensuring a controlled and safe environment. Emails prior to the event emphasized the prohibition of outside alcohol, restrictions on alcohol outside the designated area, and the prohibition of alcohol distribution to underage individuals.
Students enjoyed the food served. There were green beans, mashed potatoes, pork in gravy, and steak served with complimentary drinks.
“Every year, the Army Ball gets better,” said Major Aaron Ballard, MSIV Army Instructor during the event.
“I’d personally say this was one of the better Army balls,” said Tori VanMeter, a senior corps of cadets criminal justice major from Clarksville, Tennessee. “Seeing how we didn’t plan it on any big weekend, and we had a great guest speaker.”
Every ball is different and should be able to represent the group it’s for. For Norwich Army ball, it’s being able to have Norwich-specific traditions.
“This was my wife’s first Army ball,” said CPT David Haddock, an MSIII Army instructor. “Not being from a military family, she enjoyed the ball, especially the pageantry and the uniforms.”
“The event was great. I think we should expand it, and more cadets should attend,” Dunning said.
