More than 200 student veterans, many in dress uniforms, and their guests filled the Student Center Friday for the first-ever Cerritos College Military Ball.
The Associated Students of Cerritos College approached the veterans club with the idea of somehow honoring the veterans.
“It meant so much to us that the school, the ASCC and the administration recognizes the special contributions and sacrifices that have been made by student veterans,” said the veterans resource coordinator, Matthew Lorscheider.
After a series of meetings, ASCC decided to have a combined services ball.
“The school really wanted to thank all the veterans and their families,” planning committee member and guest, Rita Hoffman said, “They fought for us and deserve to get their heads out of the books and have a good time. It also let them socialize and connect with other veterans.” she continued.
Lorscheider added, “Pretty much every branch of the military has some sort of ball that they do regularly, and this is a way to keep that tradition going for them.”
The Swing Dolls provided live entertainment.
Dressed in WWII-era women’s uniforms, the three-woman show sang songs made popular by groups such as the Andrew Sisters and the McGuire Sisters during the 40s and 50s.
They earned applause with such songs as “The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B” and others.
In a salute to the services, The Swing Girls sang each branch song as members of each branch stood for recognition.
Guests settled down to dinner donning the fashion accessories provided for the occasion.
Large paper bibs protected tuxedos, evening gowns and class-A uniforms from barbecue sauce as a catered rib dinner was served.
The cake cutting ceremony was the highlighted tradition.
The youngest and oldest veteran in attendance shared the first piece of cake, symbolically passing the mission of defending our nation to the next generation of warriors.
As the youngest student veteran’s club member, Army specialist Omar Botello, shared cake with Vietnam veteran, Marine sergeant Tom Tizlow, who was also the keynote speaker
“This is a unique opportunity in your life where you can take off your backpack and you can explore any option that you think could be appropriate for you.
“The qualities you bring from your military experience are the same qualities that employers are looking for,” Tizlow continued, “And for you single ones, the same as what a potential spouse is looking for too. You’ll be a irresistible candidate for any job that you seek.
“Who can turn down someone who is qualified and a veteran?”
The evening wrapped up with an award ceremony followed by dance music provided live.
Neckties got loose and high heels got left behind as several of the student veterans temporarily lost all sense of military bearing for a good time on the dance floor.
