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What a fun and memorable evening! The 2019 WMMOA Banquet was one another well attended and enjoyable end of season celebration. With Author Elaine Brye as our special guest and Speaker and the recognition and celebration of our Military Families as our theme, no doubt drew the great turnout. There was a great ‘vibe’ early as the room filled (likely helped by the early opening of the bar this year with Coldsmoke on tap!). Our encouragement to “wear what you earned’ showed well this year as many came in uniform and their ‘finery’.
The Grizzly Battalion Color Guard again this year were outstanding in their duty of posting the colors and this year Amanda Babon Shaffer shared a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. During the service songs the Navy reigned supreme as “Go Navy Beat Army” rang out from the sailors. The Air Force with their “wings clipped’ (no chair flying this year) and without BG Stovall’s leadership were subdued. The Army showed well with more energy than usual, but the Marines, being shorthanded this year, were barely heard above the soundtrack. The food and the service staff of the Doubletree was again superb.
This year we passed the baton from Navy leadership to the Army with the introduction of the new Board and CWO 3 Jack Babon as president, and said thanks to Gary, Holly and John Angwin as they retired after long service on the Chapter Board.
Author Elaine Brye share stories from her book “Stay Safe; Love Mom” on growing up in a Military Family and raising 4 kids all of whom are officers in the Military. Her message struck a chord with the group reminding all of their families and their service. We recognized our ‘Recruiters of the Year’ Susan Torkelson and Emily Mihalic, and is our tradition we closed with the singing of “God Bless America’ (It was great to have Carol Stovall back to keep us on key). Again, it was another outstanding WMMOA evening and a great way to end our 2018/19 season.