November 20, 2023, BATON ROUGE, LA - This December, Louisiana students of all five service academies – US Military Academy in West Point, NY; US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; US Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT; US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; and the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY – will be honored with a full military ball.
Congressman Garret Graves will serve as the ball’s keynote speaker. Graves represents the sixth district of Louisiana and has proudly nominated several candidates for appointment to the U.S. service academies from his district since being elected to office in 2015. Graves chairs the Aviation Subcommittee on Transportation and serves on the Natural Resources Committee. He is also a strong advocate for our armed forces. During his tenure, Graves has been ranked as one of the most effective U.S. House members, with several bipartisan bills signed into law by three different presidents.
Steeped in tradition, the All Service Academies Ball honors our nation’s future leaders from the great state of Louisiana. One hundred forty-eight (148) Louisiana students are currently enrolled at one of the five service academies or preparatory schools. These students are considered active-duty military on the first day of enrollment. Upon graduation and receiving a Bachelor of Science degree, the cadets and midshipmen are commissioned as second lieutenants or ensigns and must serve a minimum term of duty, usually five years plus another three years in the reserves. The service commitment may be longer if the student’s chosen occupation requires particularly extensive training (such as aviation or special operations).
“It is the common mission of our United States Military Service Academies to develop the future leaders of our armed forces,” says Laurie Suire, chair of this year’s ball. “It is particularly gratifying to recognize these talented and dedicated young people who have accepted the challenge of attending our service academies, holding themselves to the highest standards of academic, athletic, and military achievement.”
This year’s gala will be held on December 22, 2023, at the historic Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center. The evening will include a special guest speaker, Congressman Garret Graves, a traditional military toast, dinner, and a live band.
On behalf of all cadets and midshipmen representing Louisiana, we would like to thank the following sponsors.
Stars and Stripes Presenting Sponsor: Valero Meraux Refinery Commander Level: Cajun Contractors Patriot Level: Performance Contractors Platinum Level: Assurance Financial, PJ’s Coffee, USAA, Heroman’s Florist, Vivid Ink, Laurie and Jay Suire “Supporting the All Service Academies Ball is just one opportunity among many that Valero champions to honor our military,” said Leslie Sullivan, VP & General Manager of Valero Meraux Refinery. “It’s encouraging to see young men and women step forward to serve this great nation, to become our new leaders, and help secure the freedoms we have today by their selfless service and contributions. With 12% of Valero’s U.S. workforce having served in the military, Valero is proud to support our men and women in uniform.”
We encourage all former service academy graduates, military veterans, and current high school students interested in one of the service academies to attend. To purchase tickets, please visit www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/4070458abe7a- 4a06-b3e6-f518bfe75bc8.
For all sponsorship inquiries, contact Laurie Suire at (337) 789-5244 or visit www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/4070458abe7a- 4a06-b3e6-f518bfe75bc8.