Military Ball, February 2023

The Army ROTC Golden Buffalo Battalion gathered again at the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield to host their annual Military Ball. This is the AROTC’s most formal event, with a sit-down dinner, a guest speaker and presentations throughout. The ball is a military tradition that has lasted since the late 1890’s. Where attendees pay tribute to soldiers missing in action or prisoners of war by setting an empty table in their honor. Cadets mix and partake in the making of the Grog Bowl – a cherished tradition which is believed to have begun during the westward expansion, when cavalry troops would share their alcohol rations with one another, so that all may partake. Our grog did not contain alcohol, but it was prepared using very specific ingredients that represented the rich history and current travails of the Golden Buffalo Battalion. Each ingredient added reminds us of those who have gone before, and the responsibility to continue the superb service to our nation.

The emcee for the evening was Cadet Benjamin Morehart from CU-Boulder. The evening kicked off with the posting of the colors by the AROTC Color Guard, then everyone remained standing so Cadet Blake Bucca from MSU Denver could lead the Invocation. Next came the traditional making of the grog bowl – where six Cadets proceeded to describe the meaning of each ingredient they added to the bowl. After all ingredients were mixed, LTC Bryce Kawaguchi selected a Cadet to do the honors of taste testing the grog. Cadet Ania Dojlidko received that privilege and drank a cup full of the concoction with a huge smile on her face. This subsequently led into everyone reading aloud the master toast.

The meals were served, and attendees enjoyed their dinners and talked amongst themselves. Unfortunately, the requested guest speaker was unable to join us, so LTC Bryce Kawaguchi stood in for him. LTC Kawaguchi’s speech was a breakdown of a mission he led as a captain in Afghanistan. His words captured a possible scenario the future second lieutenant’s might face as Army officers.

Then Captain Nate Wherley introduced the two Hall of Fame Inductees for 2023 – Brian and Debra Crew. The Crew’s were unable to attend the ball, since they are in the process of moving to London, England. Brian and Debra Crew are both alumni of the GBB program and graduates of the University of Denver (1991 and 1993 respectively). They are huge supporters and have given generously to the Charlie Company facility upgrades and scholarship/grant opportunities.

The Cadre then recognized the individual Cadets selected for the internal scholarships and awards. Cadets from the entire battalion were selected for the following scholarships/awards:
1.    American Spirit Award, SGM Anderson – CDT Hwui Yoo from the University of Colorado Boulder
2.    Baer Scholarship – CDT Marley Pethica from the University of Colorado Boulder
3.    Fertig Leadership Scholarship – CDT Alfred “Trey” Franco from the Colorado School of Mines
4.    Brian and Debra Crew Scholarship – CDT Sydney Tanner and CDT Spencer White, both from the University of Denver
5.    Rippetoe Scholarship & Sword/Scabbard – CDT Peter Adams from the University of Denver

The Cadets that were designated by Army Cadet Command as a “Distinguished Military Graduate” are as follows:

• CDT Kevin Auger from Regis University
• CDT Parker Egan from the Colorado School of Mines
• CDT Adali Matz from the Colorado School of Mines
• CDT Michael Whitacre from the Colorado School of Mines
• CDT Montane Whiteley from the Colorado School of Mines
• CDT Hwui Yoo from the University of Colorado Boulder

This distinction is based on GPA, AROTC class/event participation and overall ranking within AROTC.

The Cadets that were designated by the Golden Buffalo Battalion Professor of Military Science as a “Distinguished Military Student” are as follows:

• CDT Peter Adams from the University of Colorado Denver
• CDT Helen Boyles from the University of Denver
• CDT Promise Butler from the Metropolitan State University of Denver
• CDT Jonathan Cattan from the Colorado School of Mines
• CDT Ania Dojlidko from the University of Denver
• CDT Parker Egan from the Colorado School of Mines
• CDT Ryan Kowalczyk from the University of Colorado Boulder
• CDT Courtney Lucas from the University of Colorado Boulder
• CDT Liam McDermott from the University of Colorado Boulder
• CDT Michael Whitacre from the Colorado School of Mines
• CDT Hwui Yoo from the University of Colorado Boulder

This distinction is based on their ranking as the top 25% of all AROTC Cadets.

The Superior Cadets for 2023 were:

• MSI class – CDT Rachel Densmore from the Colorado Christian University
• MSII class – CDT Emil Napier from the University of Colorado Boulder
• MSIII class – CDT Cody Kidd from the University of Colorado Denver
• MSIV class – CDT Liam McDermott from the University of Colorado Boulder

Then all MSIV Cadets who are expecting to graduate in the spring were called up to be welcomed into their individual branch during the “Branch Pinning” Ceremony. Due to new Army regulations, some Cadets are still waiting for their final branch selection. The formal evening ended with the Benediction given by Cadet Bucca again and the retiring of the colors by the Color Guard. Then the lights went down and the music started pumping for the dancing and socializing portion to begin for the “after-party”.