Missouri National Guard hosts third annual birthday ball

By Sgt. Sarah E. Lupescu
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri National Guard's Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Stephen Danner is hosting the third annual birthday ball Dec. 17, at The Lodge of the Four Seasons in Ozark, Mo. with music from rock ensemble, Sidewinder.

Danner started the Birthday Ball in 2009 as a way to celebrate the Guard's heritage and honor those who serve.

"The Birthday Ball is a military tradition, and the Missouri National Guard Ball celebrates the oldest component of the nation's armed forces," Danner said. "My wife, Katie, and I are looking forward to celebrating the 375th birthday of the Guard with Missouri Guard members and their Families from all over the state."

More than 450 Missouri National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, Family members and supporters are expected to attend this year's ball.

The Smith-Cotton High School Junior ROTC will conduct a rifle drill performance and will post the colors during the event.

"The Smith-Cotton High School JROTC was established in Sedalia, Mo. in 2004," said Harry Cunningham, senior Army instructor, Smith-Cotton High School JROTC. "The formation of the Color Guard and drill teams helped instill discipline and a desire for success within the cadets.

"The teams practice four nights per week after school for two hours. They compete during the school year throughout the Midwest and at the National High School Drill Team Championship in Daytona Beach, Fla. They have achieved success throughout the Midwest, and have been National Champions for two consecutive years. They will travel to Daytona Beach again in May, 2012 to defend their national title," Cunningham said.

The internationally known band, Sidewinder, an element of the St. Louis-based 571st Air Force Band of the Missouri Air National Guard, is scheduled to perform at the ball.

"The 571st Band has represented the Missouri National Guard exceptionally well," Danner said. "In Afghanistan, they went to some remote places to bring a piece of home to our troops. We're thrilled and honored that they are bringing those same talents back home to entertain their Missouri National Guard comrades."

Sidewinder's fame began when a video of the band performing a cover of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" went viral. The video has more than 2 million views on YouTube.

"When Maj. Gen. Danner invited us to play at the birthday ball, we immediately accepted," said Capt. John Arata, the band's commanding officer. "Since returning from deployment in August, our Airmen have played major sporting events and national television shows, but our primary mission - the reason all of us signed up - is to play for the men and women who wear the uniform. Events like the Missouri National Guard Birthday Ball are what it's all about."

The band has made appearances on ABC's "Entertainment Tonight," Warner Brother's "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and the Fox News Network's "Fox and Friends."

The upcoming event marks the third year Sidewinder has performed at the birthday ball. Other birthday ball guests have included former Congressman Ike Skelton and Lt. Gen. Frank Grass, currently the deputy commander of the United States Northern Command and vice commander of the U.S. Element, North American Aerospace Defense Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please visit www.moguard.com and our social media sites: www.facebook.com/Missouri.National.Guard; www.twitter.com/Missouri_NG; www.youtube.com/MoNationalGuard; www.myspace.com/missouri_ng; www.flickr.com/photos/missouriguard; www.moguard.com/blog

Maj. Gen. Stephen L. Danner talked to guests about the National Guard and its achievements during a speech at the 374th birthday of the National Guard. (Courtesy photo).

Sidewinder performed at the National Guard 374th Birthday Ball. The band is scheduled to perform at this year's ball Dec. 17 at The Lodge of the Four Seasons in Ozark, Mo. (Courtesy photo).