So, my boyfriend Jacob invited me to the ENFORCE conference taking place where he is in Officer's Basic Training which is in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri home of the Army Engineer's Branch. Included in the conference was a ball, where he had to dress in his best uniform and I wore a fancy long dress. That was about all the knowledge I had about ENFORCE and the ball when I agreed to come up to Missouri for a much needed visit.
What I really learned about when I was actually at the ball was how the army community works, such as what shared values and ideas people have while involved in this sometimes high stress lifestyle. There are many traditions that are held dear to the military. Some traditions include taking the time to stop and salute, singing songs specific to each branch that includes strength, values, and almost always something about drinking, setting one extra table at the ball with symbolic pieces of food or table setting in remembrance of those who are prisoners of war and those missing in action, they had a table of honor where those that were specifically invited and highly regarded are recognized, they also recite multiple toasts to which everyone repeats and drinks, they go out of their way to be gentlemanly to all the ladies, and finally there is always a speaker that reminds the men and woman of unity and honor in the work they do.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the ball, and I feel like I learned a lot about the military culture. They stick together working hard for the cause of freedom, justice, and security for everyone in America. The servicemen's families form a support community were they share the same struggles and know how to support one another. I would be proud to be a more permanent part of that community.
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