A military Ball may look a lot like prom from high school. But the only thing that would be the same is the fact the ladies spend too much money on hair-dos, dresses, and nails. Other then that its very different. The ceremony begins with dinner and drinks. Then we have a "Punch Bowl Ceremony" the reminds me of the drink the "Nerds" make to welcome new members. Yes 7 different NCO's mixed in 7 different liquors and then there were a few other not so nice things added from what they remember from each deployment. Once this "punch" was completed each new member of Saint Barbara drinks a cup on the Master Gunners command, Ready!, Set!, FIRE! This drink is to go down in one single gulp. Saint Barbara was a beautiful woman who was sentenced to death for her believe in Christ. Just as she was beheaded a bolt of lighting flashed from the skies killing and consuming her persecutor. This lighting bolt caused her to be regarded as the parton saint in times of danger from thunderstorms, fires, explosions, and sudden death. She was invoked for protection against accidents resulting from explosions. Since earlier artillery pieces often exploded instead of firing their projectile, Saint Barbara became the patroness of field artillerymen. Once this ceremony is completed we listen to several men talk. They thank the spouses for their support and the strength to help their soldiers through deployments. Then the music and dancing begins.
Last tonight we went to our battalion ball. It's a good time where the soldiers and their spouses get together and enjoy themselves outside of work. This ball was extra special for the simple fact that many of these men and women will be travel to new units with in the next few months. We have all made it through three deployments and now its time to say good-bye as we all take that new fork in the road and learn something along the way.
Ben loved this hair-do. It was all curled and then the front was pinned back. It was nice and looked great all night.
We dropped our kiddos off at a friends house and here is our first picture of the two of us. Ben and his usual serious face.
Our picture once we arrived at the ball.
The Gill's
Jess and Frank
SSG Cummins, Dustin and Veronica.
Notice that Ben and Dustin are wearing two different uniforms. Ben is wearing Class "A's" and Dustin is wearing Dress Blues.
The guys before dinner.
Ben and John
SSG Ringman and SSG Davis
SSG Ringman, Ben and Master Gunner Cazeres
Cazeres was Ben's first chief in OIF 1. He helped Ben become the NCO that he is today.
1st SGT Howard, SSG Ringman, Master Gunner Cazeres.
Both these men have deployed all three times with Ben. They have all moved up the ranks ladder through each deployment.
Telling stories and remembering when...
SSG Ringman and Lt. Col. Dunleavy
Dunleavy deployed with Ben in OIF 1 as Major and then again in OIF 3 as Lt. Col. He remembered Ben from the first deployment I did not know if that was a good thing or a bad thing at first but we both know now that it was a good thing.
SSG Ringman and SSG Grigsby talking as Ben gets ready for a picture.
SSG Ringman and SSG Grigsby
Jess and I after a few drinks. Laughing at my husband I am sure. When we are all together and drunk its a non-stop of jokes and smiles.
Self photos when we returned home.
A good night kiss.
Bill with his two Angies.
The boys. Bill loving his son. After a few drinks/shots.
Ben and I enjoying a dance.
Ben and his mom enjoying a dance.
Happy New Year Kiss. 
Happy 2009 kiss while dancing the night away!
