The West Point Chapter of the National Infantry Association hosted the 18th annual Infantry Ball Friday at Eisenhower Hall.
The West Point Chapter of the NIA is the largest and most active Chapter in the Army. As a 501(c)(3) organization, it has existed at West Point for the past 18 years to provide a venue to promote the Infantry, to mentor cadets aspiring to serve as Infantry officers, to promote the history and camaraderie of the Infantry, and to host events at West Point that recognize and honor all Infantry Soldiers — past, present and future.
Each year, West Point commissions over 220 cadets who have chosen to serve as Infantry officers. While every branch of the Army is important and serves a valuable purpose, the Infantry will always be the “tip of the spear,” meeting our nation’s enemies anywhere in the world, face-to-face in the crucible of ground combat.
The annual Infantry Ball at West Point celebrates their choice and provides a tremendous opportunity to welcome them into the branch in a memorable and inspiring way and to sustain, and incorporate cadets into, the camaraderie that makes our branch the envy of the free world.
This year’s event hosted over 400 people, including Infantry cadets from the class of 2022 and their dates; officers and noncomissioned officers of the staff and faculty and their spouses; as well as numerous event sponsors and special guests. Among those in attendance were the guest speaker for the evening, Gen. Michael Garrett, the current U.S. Army FORSCOM commander and former USMA RTO, and his lovely wife Lorelei; Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Coffey, the USMA command sergeant. major; Mr. Frank Siller of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation; and Dennis and Marion Zilinski, the parents of 1st Lt. Dennis Zilinski, a USMA Class of 2004 graduate and Infantry officer who was killed in action in 2005 in Iraq and was recognized during the event.
The evening began with a cocktail hour for the cadets, staff and faculty to socialize and participate in the annual Silent Auction with incredible donations from various individuals and organizations, the proceeds of which are used to offset costs hosting the event each year.
During the formal portion of the evening, the Chapter upheld many Infantry and Army traditions while also recognizing multiple people and organizations throughout.
Fourteen cadets assisted in the traditional Grog ceremony — a key element that celebrates the rich history and traditions of the American Infantry, reminding the newly branched cadets of the footsteps in which they follow.
Class of 2022 Cadets Alexander Denha, Andrew Hipp and Christopher Cameron led the Fallen Soldier ceremony, overseen by USCC Chaplain Father Matt Pawlikowski, with a twin-bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace” performed by two members of the West Point Pipes and Drums — a solemn reminder to cadets of the shoulders upon which they, as the next cohort of Infantrymen and women, stand.
Staff and faculty were able to welcome the new members of the Infantry branch through the ‘Keep up the Fire’ program, a Chapter tradition that involves the distribution of crossed rifles from former and active Infantry officers and NCOs with a personalized note for each Infantry cadet in attendance.
The staff and faculty, and many of our guests in attendance who either are or were Infantry officers, handed these notes out to cadets and passed along their congratulations. A special moment to welcome these young centurions into the legion.
The Chapter also awarded the Order of Saint Maurice to six Infantry officers and the Shield of Sparta to three Infantry spouses.
The Order of Saint Maurice, the Patron Saint of the Infantry, is awarded to those who have served the Infantry community with distinction, who have demonstrated a significant contribution therein, and who have represented the highest standards of integrity, moral character, professional competence and dedication to duty.
Similarly, the Shield of Sparta is a token of appreciation for the sacrifice and commitment demanded of the spouses and supporters of Infantry Soldiers.
It further symbolizes these supporters as true patriots with selfless ideals and the courage to send their Infantry Soldiers into harm’s way.
The Chapter recognized eight different organizations for their donations and support of the National Infantry Association and the Infantry Ball, including First Command Financial Services, USAA, Ballard Brands, Red Gate, US Steel and 640 Acres, among others.
It is the generous and sustained support of these partners that has afforded us the privilege of hosting this event for West Point’s Infantry community for the past 18 years.
The event also memorialized 18 infantrymen who have passed either in combat or after long careers of selfless service to our nation, including 1st Lt. Dennis Zilinski, whose parents were in attendance.
The inclusion of this portion and the recognition of their contributions to the Infantry and our Nation are intended to remind the cadets of their solemn duty as Infantry officers and the efforts of those who preceded them.
The climax of the evening was the remarks from Garrett, who spoke to the cadets about the expectations of them as West Point graduates and newly minted Infantry officers.
He encouraged them in choosing the Infantry as their branch and the bright future that they each have after graduation. His remarks were met with a standing ovation as he concluded.
At the end of the evening. Col. Greg Boylan, president of the West Point NIA Chapter, reminded the Infantry cadets in attendance of the importance of Garrett’s advice, using a quote from the ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, who noted ... “Out of every one hundred men, 10 should not even be there, 80 are just targets, nine are the real fighters, and we are lucky to have them, for they make the battle. Ah but the one, THE ONE is a warrior, and it is he who will bring the others back,” Boylan said.
The point to the cadets: As Infantry officers, their Soldiers will want, need and expect them to be “The One”… the one who will train them well, lead them well and bring them back. Based on the energy of the event, the response to Garrettʼs words, and the sheer number in attendance, the point was well received. I am the Infantry! FOLLOW ME!