Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coastguardsmen celebrated and honored their daughters during the third annual Father-Daughter Winter Ball Friday at the Fort Belvoir Officers' Club.
Fathers and male guardians joined their young ladies in kindergarten through sixth grade for a full evening of dancing, pictures and food.
"This is a fabulous opportunity to get out with our daughters," said Maj. James Caldwell, Army National Guard Bureau, environmental program manager. "It's a chance to get all dressed up and make them feel like princesses."
Hosted by The Villages at Belvoir, the Father-Daughter Ball allows servicemembers an opportunity to break away from their day-to-day missions to enjoy time with their children. The young ladies arrived attired in various styles of dresses while their fathers wore suits or traditional military formal attire.
Young princesses were greeted with a rose and tiara and the hosts invited the guests to enjoy refreshments in the ballroom. A professional photographer captured photos of each couple as a keepsake.
After enjoying wings, cupcakes and punch, the men and young ladies danced to music spanning various genres including country, rock and R&B. Couples showed off their best moves. At various points, the young ladies, laughing and full of energy, formed conga lines and circled their fathers.
Caldwell, who attended the event with his daughter, Laiken, said he was amazed watching the young ladies enjoy time with friends.
"We spend a lot time in the military deployed. This allows us a chance to reconnect with our daughters," Caldwell said.
Capt. Glen Dowling, System Performance Office, logistician, said the event provides a snapshot of Fort Belvoir. Dowling, attending the ball with his daughter, Irelyn, enjoyed seeing all the branches on post celebrating and honoring the same cause -- Family.
"I love it," Dowling said. "Everybody is busy with work, so it's great we have this time to celebrate our daughters."
Jennifer Watkins, The Villages at Belvoir leasing manager, said the organization hosts events similar to the Father-Daughter Ball throughout the year to help build a strong community among the neighbors on post. The organization also hosts events such as Family Fun Nights, Chili cook-offs and Back-to-School Parties.
"You don't only get a house when you live here on post. You get an experience," Watkins said. "We're building community among our Families."
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