More than 230 Cadets, Alumni, Cadre and distinguished guests gathered on the evening of Feb. 26  to help the Army ROTC program celebrate its annual Military Ball. Gathering in the main ballroom of the Radisson Hotel in downtown Scranton Royal Warriors enjoyed an evening of dinner, entertainment, dancing and socializing. 

This year the Battalion was honored to have Colonel Reese Turner, Division Chief of Maneuver, Fires and Effects, U.S. Army Human Resources Command from Fort Knox, Kentucky as the guest speaker. Other special guests included local World War Two veterans Walter Gantz and Reverend Fredrick Mauger, as well as Ken Kraetzer, from the Sons of the American Legion, Post 50 Pelham New York. Attending from The University of Scranton staff and faculty were Professor Thomas E. Baker, LT COL MP USAR (Ret.) of the Department of Sociology/Criminal Justice, Father Dan Sweeney of the Political Science Department and Mark Carmondy of the Student Housing Maintenance Division.

One of the major highlight of the evening was the punch bowl ceremony where MS III Cadets (juniors) helped prepare a traditional Army Punch in honor of the MS IVs (seniors). Each MS IV was called forward, as he or she was toasted for the leadership and guidance they have provided to the Royal Warriors and for the leadership they will soon provide to the Soldiers across Army. Colonel Turner spoke to the audience about the leadership challenges that MS IV Cadets will soon face as commission  and head out in the Army. At the conclusion of his remarks the Royal Warriors presented Colonel Turner with a set of Battalion Colors to commemorate his time with the unit. 

The Professor of Military Science, LTC Remley also presented special guest Ken Kraetzer with the Commander’s Award For Public Service. Mr. Kraetzer was honored for his support of current military affairs and veteran’s issues. Kraetzer has been involved in activities ranging from helping plan New City’s Fleet Week, attending and supporting ROTC events, as well as hosting a weekly radio show dedicated to Army Football.

As the formal portion of the evening drew to a close, guests took to the dance floor to enjoy more Army punch and socialize late into the night. 

The event was the culmination of over three months of planning, coordinating and preparing on the part of the Cadet staff and Cadet Action officers.

Seniors Sarah Chantrell and Sarah Mathewson, the lead Action Officers were recognized on Saturday by LTC Remley and Senior Military Instructor, MSG Alex Ortega, with a commander’s coin for their hard work and professional demeanor in planning such a successful event.