FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - (July 13, 2012) No dragon, beast, ogre nor troll would have set foot within the realm of Fairbanks Saturday as more than 500 princesses and gallant warriors descended on the castle known as Carlson to enjoy an evening of elegance, chivalry, good food and frivolity.
The Armed Services YMCA of Alaska, hosted the sixth annual Father-Daughter Ball at the Carlson Center. It was a special gala event that gave some very delighted little ladies an opportunity to dress in elegant satin, silk and chiffon and even don a glittery tiara as they displayed red-carpet style. Their dates for the evening, the heroes they call Daddy, were quite dapper themselves, in their finest military regalia.
Rachel Oldfield, program coordinator for ASYMCA, said the occasion was all about fathers and daughters spending precious time together and strengthening their bond. The event was open to all active duty and retired military, reservists, National Guard members and Department of Defense employees. In the spirit of the theme, "A Knight to Remember," all enjoyed the fun dancing, dipping into the chocolate fondue fountain and posing for portraits. As music played and lights sparkled, it was a storybook opportunity for these warriors and their princesses to celebrate a special connection that can only be shared between a father and daughter.
"This year's event was especially important after the homecoming of so many deployed Soldiers from both Fort Wainwright and Eielson (Air Force Base) in the past year," Oldfield said, "I found the excitement of the fathers to get up and dance special. The dads were as enthusiastic as the girls with every song the DJ played."
The magical night was well-attended and enjoyed by all. It was a chance for many Soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division to reconnect with the ones they cherish and adore, but often have to leave behind when duty calls. "It was an experience that seemed to put a smile on everyone's face," Oldfield said.
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