Fort Bragg's military ball recognizes, honors Army Noncommissioned Officers' Corps

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Fort Bragg Soldiers and their spouses filled the ballroom at the Crown Expo Center July 24 for a formal military ball honoring noncommissioned officers. The Army has designated this year "The Year of the NCO" and the ball was one of many events that have taken place this year to celebrate that mainstay corps. "This event has been beautifully, wonderfully orchestrated," said keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding general, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, in his remarks at the end of the formal portion of the event. "Everyone has done a magnificent job with their part in this. I doubt it can be reached again." Each performance during the evening, received a standing ovation. Nationally-known comedian Daniel Forester, also known as "Mutzie," started things off having fun with the Soldiers. The traditional punch bowl ceremony brought about strong reactions from partakers, including a priceless expression from Austin, attesting to the potency of the brew. The entertainment continued with the performance of the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus. The chorus sang several stirring tributes, including Toby Keith's "American Soldier," that had an obvious inspirational affect on the crowd. Those in attendance were also entertained by a slide show presentation and a band from the Idaho National Guard, that played jazz, while Soldiers and guests enjoyed dinner. As Austin concluded the formal portion of the festivities, he said since America's inception, the NCO has been central to efforts to protect democracy. "Since the Revolutionary War our NCOs have led troops on the front edge of the battlefield. And it is our noncommissioned officers ... all of you ... that will continue to guarantee our nation's freedom in the future," he said. Austin noted a critic's review of the new "Star Trek" movie and the way the critic pointed out that the Starship Enterprise was comprised completely of officers and how unrealistic it was that it still functioned. Austin recounted Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt. Roy Benavidez' unbelievable courage in saving several men and thwarting off the enemy in Vietnam, despite being severely wounded in the abdomen and back by small arms and grenade fragments. Austin noted how Benavidez didn't seek the limelight, but rather said, "The real heroes are the ones who gave their lives for their country." "That's what makes our NCO Corps so special," Austin said. Austin challenged the NCOs to continue leading the Army in these difficult times and recommended having a celebration of NCOs every year. Austin concluded his speech saying, "We have an enormously talented corps of noncommissioned officers, quiet professionals, training our Soldiers, executing our missions and developing leaders. You are not doing it to make history books or to earn the title of hero. You are not doing it to keep the Army at the top of the list of the most respected professions. You are doing it because you all have a sense of duty to something larger than yourselves," Austin said. "And you can be very proud to know that the American noncommissioned officers, truly are the best, most professional in the world. And that makes you unique."