Marine CorpS baLL 9 FI


history and tradition


By James Gilbert Photos by Josh Peckler


t’s fairly obvious to the casual observer that the Birthday Balls held by the squadrons at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma are evenings filled with


highly polished uniforms, beautiful dresses and the pomp and circumstance of an extremely formal event. But to the men and women who wear those uniforms, it is about so much more.


“Outside of coming home from combat, this is the biggest event of the year,” said Sgt. Major William Wiseman, of


Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. “My wife looks forward to it. Every year she buys a new dress.”


Wiseman explained that the Birthday Ball is just one of


the ways in which Marines celebrate the creation of the Corps, which is held on or around Nov. 10 each year. It is also a time, he said, for Marines to share in the history and traditions that have been passed from one generation to the next, and to reflect on those who have worn the


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SouthweSt Living - CeLebrationS 2011


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