13th Annual Bethel NJROTC Military Ball Shows 'Patriotic Grace'

Written by Cadet Claudia Larsen, Bethel Navy JROTC Public Affairs Officer

BETHEL, CT-- On Sunday, March 6th, Bethel NJROTC held its annual Military Ball at the Aquaturf Club in Southington, Connecticut. With 684 guests attending this year, including hundreds of parents, grandparents, veterans and elected officials, the grand ballroom was filled with cadets in uniform, ladies and students in formal gowns and gentlemen in Black Tie. It was truly an elegant event.

This year’s theme was “Patriotic Grace.” To exemplify that theme the cadets reenacted the remarks presented by Senator John F. Kennedy during his 8-minute opening statement in the debate with Vice President Nixon when they were running for President in 1960. Kennedy’s words were moving then, and today they demonstrated a form of vision and statesmanship that the cadets and the audience saw as a stark contrast to present day debates. The reenactments of Kennedy’s words were recited from memory by cadets Patrick Daly, Victoria Palmer, Eshan Dalal, David Hayes and Christopher Joyce. The cadets really inspired the audience as they closed with Kennedy’s pronouncement “it’s time America started moving again”!

The Guest of Honor this year was Captain Vernon Kemper, the Commanding Officer of the Yale University and College of Holy Cross Navy ROTC Consortium. Captain Kemper, a career submariner, was rendered honors as he entered through the sword arch honor guard. As he stopped to be recognized at the end of the honor guard, cadets activated a submarine dive alarm and then played Take Her Down Boys, the song of the submariners. During his address to the cadets, Captain Kemper spoke about the character traits needed for their success, with emphasis on the foundational virtues of listening more and speaking less while showing true care and compassion for one another. His words were very uplifting for the cadets and students and very well received by the entire audience.

The ball included the time honored traditions of the POW/MIA commemoration, parading the beef, ceremonial toasts and a cake cutting ceremony. During the cake cutting, the Bethel Senior Naval Science Instructor, Lt. Commander Mark Dwinells USN (Ret) was joined by Captain Kemper and the Bethel Battalion Commander, Cadet Marko Pilepich. The senior veteran was Mr. Francis Storm who served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Marines during the Korean conflict in the 1950’s. Sgt. Storm is the grandfather of Cadet Adjutant Stephen Spinella who presented his grandfathers USMC NCO sword for the cake cutting. After the cake was cut Sgt. Storm presented the first piece of cake to the youngest cadet, Cadet Mary Muthersbaugh, who was born in May of 2002.

During the evening Lt. Commander Dwinells announced the names of 5 Bethel cadets who have been selected for College ROTC scholarships, and 6 other cadets who have enlisted in the armed forces. They also celebrated the accomplishments of the Bethel corps of 206 cadets including their thousands of hours of community service and other project-based learning events.

The final portion of the evening’s formalities was the Commanders Waltz. Lt. Commander and Mrs. Dwinells choreographed and instructed a 3-minute synchronized American standard waltz to an arrangement of the song “Moon River” by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. 18 couples graced the 100 x 35 foot dancefloor, and moved together to the beautiful melody in a beautiful performance.

The cadets would like to thank the Bethel Navy JROTC Boosters, their parents, teachers and administrators as well as the people of the town of Bethel for their continued support. They are pleased to have the opportunity to display a high level of class, elegance and patriotism, having done so with monies from their fundraising activities to ensure this event was not a burden on the taxpayers of Bethel.

-Lt. Commander Dwinells

Captain Vernon Kemper and Mrs. Judy Kemper enter the Bethel Navy JROTC Military Ball through the honor guard.

Cadet Kevin Sholtes escorting Cadet Allison Renner.

The Bethel Navy JROTC color guard proudly presents the colors. Old glory stands tall as the cadets dip the NJROTC flag with streamers indicating their status as a Navy Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors each year since 2004.

The Bethel Battalion Commander, Cadet Marko Pilepich and the Bethel Chief of Staff (former Battalion Commander) Cadet Tayler Schwamb, present a token of appreciation to Captain Kemper as Lt. Commander Dwinells looks on. Cadet Pilepich has been selected for a 4-year Navy ROTC scholarship and plans to attend Yale University. Cadet Schwamb has enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and will specialize in Public Affairs.

During the Commanders Waltz the cadets perform a synchronized Ladies Underarm Turn. There were 3 rows of couples, 6 across, covering the entire length of the ballroom.