SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. - The Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, along with the Army Element of U.S. Transportation Command and the Human Resources Command in St. Louis, is hosting the 2009 Mid-America Army Ball Saturday, June 13, at 5:30 p.m., at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis Riverfront Hotel, St. Louis, Mo.

The Mid-America Army Ball is one of many Army-wide celebrations around the world commemorating the U.S. Army's 234 years of service.

The theme for this year's event is "Strength of the Nation and Year of the NCO." In a unique twist to honor the U.S. Army's Year of the NCO, all the elements of this year's ball will be performed by non-commissioned officers from the three hosting commands.

Lt. Gen. James H. Pillsbury will be the guest speaker. Pillsbury is the U.S. Army Materiel Command's Deputy Commanding General and also serves as the Executive Director for Conventional Ammunition. The 2009 Mid-America Army Ball is open to current and former members of the Army, and to anyone who would like to participate in this annual celebration.

Tickets are available for $50. For the invitation and a registration form, along with payment information, visit www.sddc.army.mil, and click on the black and gold "2009 Mid-America Army Ball Registration" banner. Questions can also be directed to Fred Rice, SDDC Command Affairs, at (618) 220-5167.