On August 26, we attended the CHBOLC (Chaplain Basic Officer Leadership Course) Graduation Banquet. This was my first formal Army event. I bought a beautiful navy cocktail dress and heels for the occasion, and Chris wore his ASUs (Army Service Uniform). Let me tell you, he was so very hot in his uniform.

When we first got there, everyone was just milling around in the lobby, chatting and looking beautiful. Then, we went into a much larger room where they had punch and hors d’oeuvres . Everyone got to introduce their spouses to their new friends, and mingle for a while. They also had a photographer there to take pictures. Chris and I neglected to bring cash with us, so we didn’t get a photograph. I was seriously bummed about that. Especially since we didn’t even get a good snapshot of us where you could see my whole dress.

Next was the receiving line. I was a little nervous about the receiving line. This was where we all went through a line to be formally introduced to the Commandant, his wife, the guest speaker, and the command seargant major. Our last class of the seminar on Wednesday was to teach us how to do this properly. For those of you who are interested, we walked up with Chris escorting me on his right side. He told the adjutant that we were “Lieutenant and Mrs. Harmon”, then I stepped in front of him to go before him through the line, and the adjutant (he’s the aide to the Commandant) whispered to CH Boone (the Commandant of the chaplain school) who we were. He then greeted us and shook our hands, and then he whispered to his wife who we were and she greeted us. This went on down the line through the speaker and the command seargant major, with each one telling the next who we are and then them greeting us. It was kind of cool, actually.

After the receiving line, we went in to the banquet. We were found our tables, and then stood around talking until the official party entered. They were seated at their table, and then we were all seated.  It’s been a while since the banquet, so I have forgotten the order of the evening. There was an honor guard there. They brought in the colors, and posted them. The national anthem was sung. I think the Army song was sung, too. There were prayers and Scriptures of every flavor…Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, and Hebrew. There was a buffet that was absolutely delicious, entertaninment that was hilarious, and company that was delightful. There was an assortment of desserts to choose from, and they had the absolute best cheesecake I have ever had. It was wonderful.

I have to say, even though my feet were killing me by the end of the night, it was a lovely evening all around. My first formal Army function was definitely one I will always remember. I don’t even need a professional photograph.

Here are our photos from the night.