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Military Ball, February 2025

On February 21st, 2025, the University of Colorado Boulder’s Army ROTC Golden Buffalo Battalion held its annual Military Ball at the Mile High Station in Denver. This cherished tradition brought together cadets, cadre, families, and honored guests to celebrate the achievements and camaraderie of the battalion while paying tribute to those who have served.

Cadet Lily Bauer sings the National Anthem during the posting of the Colors.

The evening began with a formal posting of the colors by the Army ROTC Color Guard and a rendition of the National Anthem. The Professor of Military Science delivered opening remarks, which was followed by a solemn moment as attention turned to the symbolic table arrangement, serving as a tribute to Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action. The invocation was delivered shortly after by Cadet Carlos Jaramillo.  Cadets then ceremoniously mixed the Grog Bowl, each ingredient representing an element of the battalion’s legacy and the enduring strength of its members. 

During dinner, cadets were called upon to partake in the grog for humorous violations of the Rules of the Grog. Following the meal, cadets from each company and MS level performed skits. 

Battalion MSIVs perform a skit about their weekly battalion sync meetings.

 

Alpha Company MSIIIs perform a skit about cold weather gear and Colorado’s demanding weather conditions during training.

Following the skits, the cadre proudly recognized cadets for their exceptional leadership, academic performance, and commitment to service. Awardees included:

The Superior Cadet Awards:
MSI: CDT Gabriel Gordon (University of Colorado Boulder)
MSII: CDT Rocco Scarpellini (University of Colorado Boulder)
MSIII: CDT Samuel Harber (Colorado School of Mines)
MSIV: CDT Emmanuel Walker (University of Denver)

The Colonel Wendell Fertig Scholarship Award: CDT Kyle Grote
Colorado School of Mines Essayons Scholarship: CDT Flavin
Colonel Barry S. Baer Army ROTC Scholarship: CDT Marley Pethica
The Rippetoe Saber Award: CDT Xu
Crew Scholarship: CDT Kareem and CDT Stresthda
SGM John Anderson American Spirit Award: CDT Emil Napier
The Scutellaro Award: CDT Adrian Romero

Following awards, the MSIVs were recognized for their branches. This was followed by the traditional cutting of the cake, the benediction and retiring of the colors.

Alpha Company Color Guard posting and retiring of the Colors.