7th Tactical Theater Signal Brigade Ball!

For the past couple of months I have worked with our committee to organize a ball celebrating the reunion of our brigade. We welcomed home the 44th Expeditionary Signal Battalion from a 15 month deployment to Iraq, and many Soldiers of the 72d Expeditionary Signal Battalion back from missions to Bulgaria, Isreal, the Republic of Georgia, Romania and Bosnia. In the same event, we wished well to those leaving Germany, those of 72d ESB preparing to deploy to Iraq, those in 7th TTSB Headquarters Company preparing to deploy to Afghanistan, and the 44th ESB begin relocating the battalion to Schweinfurt, Germany. It was bittersweet for many, and I think a good time for all. :)

SFC Burnett and Sven of the Mannheim Flower Shop!

Foyer decor

Ballroom

Fallen Comrade Table***(see note at bottom)

The small table set for one that is off on its own is reserved to honour our fallen comrades in arms. This symbolizes that they are with us, here in spirit. We should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation's call [to serve] and served the cause of freedom in a special way. We are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice. We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured the agonies of pain, deprivation and death.
I would like to explain the meaning of the items on this special table.
The table is round -- to show our everlasting concern for our fallen comrades.
The tablecloth is white -- symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.
The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of our fallen comrades, and the loved ones and friends of these comrades who keep the faith.
The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to remember our fallen comrades.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those who will never return.
A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by the families of those who have sacrificed all.
The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country under God.
The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us at this time.
The chair is empty -- they are no longer with us.
Let us remember - and never forget their sacrifice.
May God forever watch over them and protect them and their families.

VIP table set up

Receiving line

72d ESB Color Guard

Me and Christy H

Me and Renee Q

Mrs. and CPT Vanhanehan, me, 1SG and Mrs. Close

72d ESB Color Guard

MAJ Olivia Bierman and me

Elizabeth and me

Elizabeth, Julie, Myriam, Heather

BG Jeffrey Smith

CSM Farmer, BG Smith, COL Bland, LT Hudak

MAJ and Mrs. Peters, Mrs. and SFC Barthelme

Brown, Stringer, Short and Moore! Great ladies!!

The majority of the committee. WE DID IT!!! :)

Me and COL Bland

Stephen and Elizabeth

Me with Mrs. Voncile Farmer

Somehow I ended the night with NO pictures of Stephen and me together. :( We got one taken by the photographer, and I will scan that one. Look for it to be the pic of the month soon!

***I realize there are discrepancies in the script for the fallen comrade table. It seems that if you look for it, different memorial symbols are explained in each.