Sierra Army Depot Holiday Ball at Grand Sierra Resort

I usually blog about weddings I am privileged to emcee but I do entertain at other functions like birthday parties, corporate events, non-profit functions and I especially love to give back to our military men & women, who sacrifice so much for us.

McQueen JROTC Color Guard opening the evening's festivities

One such organization which does a critical but sometimes unheralded task for the armed forces is the Sierra Army Depot, up north of Reno on the 395.  I have been honored to be their entertainment for their annual Holiday Party for the past two years and they are an amazing group of people- dedicated yet not afraid to kick up their heels a bit.  I love the traditions they hold dear, like the color guard above.  Last year my own son participated in the opening Colors, as he was a member of the Washoe County JROTC Color Guard.  This year it was even more special for Col. Dexter, the Depot's commander, as his own son was a part of the Color Guard from McQueen High (the younger Dexter is on the right and that is his dad just over his left shoulder).  After the Colors were posted, the Col. Dexter called the JROTC members back up and recognized their dedication and that of their advisor.  Then various toasts are made by certain attendees starting with a toast to the United States, then the President, then the Army, then the other services, then to the soldiers, then to the Depot, then very poignantly to the Fallen Comrades, and finally the ladies are invited to have a seat and the men toast them.  Very cool.  But the most touching moment is when a small table is singled out and the contents of the table are explained to the attendees.  The table represents MIA/POWs and those who haven't returned and that there is an empty place for them as they are always in our thoughts and prayers.  Following some remarks by the Colonel, a great dinner was set out by Maria and her able staff in the Tahoe room of the Grand Sierra Resort.

iPhone catching some dancing

The rest of the night was filled with music and dancing and some fun raffle gifts.  I love this crowd and the variety of music I play.  Everything from Garth Brooks to the Gap Band.  New stuff like Psy and Ludacris and oldies like Bill Haley and the Isley Brothers.  Just a fun crowd with the vast majority of songs played being requests.  Thanks to Lori at the Depot for making everything so easy and fun for me.  It was a pleasure to play for this crowd once more and I hope it becomes a long tradition.  

Happy Holidays everyone!