Jean Horne

Every heart beat true to the red, white and blue at the goosebump-raising, tall-standing, flag-waving, all-American Service Academies Ball. The time was Saturday night, the beachhead was the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland, and the eve celebrated 60 of our military heroes of tomorrow. Soon, many will be putting themselves in Harm's Way in service to their country.

Ruffles and Flourishes:   Laura Pontzer and   Goldwyn Harper Jr. (USMA'04)

Their education at our five military colleges is both good and free. And there is a distinct career advantage in having one of these school rings. Except for the Coast Guard Academy, berths are awarded by congressional appointment. Since each representative cannot exceed five appointments to an academy at any one time, only fast-track students with proven leadership skills have a shot at these prized spots. All will pay for their education with years of service ... never mind who beat who in football:

U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., founded 1802.
U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., founded 1845.
U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., founded 1876.
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y., founded 1938.
U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., founded 1954.

Sue and Steven Wesmiller with    Matthew Wesmiller (USMA '05)

No other institutions are more absolutely American than these. They care nothing for birthplace, nor creed, nor social standing. Once enrolled, students undergo trials of stress and physical endurance beyond those they believed themselves capable. They place honor, courage, commitment and integrity above all else. And have an unabashed pride in their schools, which have brought honor to America.

Nobody likes to fight, but somebody has to know how. "We sleep safe in our beds because rough men (and women) stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm," David McCormick (USMA '87) quoted from George Orwell in a spellbinding address that made me proud to be an American. McCormick, there with wife Amy Richardson, leads his own global company as prez/CEO of FreeMarkets.

David McCormick (USMA '87)  with wife Amy Richardson

Two by two, in a blaze of "Stars and Stripes Forever," formally dressed cadets and midshipmen were presented with their escorts by toastmaster Mike Clark of WTAE-TV to roaring applause from 320 black-ties. In keeping with tradition, each was presented by class and rank in order of their academy's founding. Roll call, please:

Class of 2004: USMA Lauren Colonna, Goldwyn Harper Jr., Braden Hurley, Matthew Miller; USNA Daniel Rockwell; USCGA Derek Storolis; USMMA Benjamin Darr, Ryan Sharrar; USAFA Christopher Beatty, Laura Frank, Patrick McCudden and Eric Swartz.

Class of 2005: USMA Matthew Kern, John Meyer, Ryan Plowey, Laura Watson, Matthew Wesmiller; USNA Elizabeth Kealey, Seth Krueger, Timothy Minor; USCGA Joshua Daubenspeck; USMMA Scott Brant; USAFA Daniel O'Neal, Trevor Seiling and Joshua Vahovius.

Class of 2006: USMA Rachel Fazio, Michael Smith; USNA Christopher Deluzio, Michael Thatcher; USMMA Kenton Iwaniec; USAFA Amy Gilliland, Jeff Kukuruda, Matthew Laney and Paul Tisa.

Class of 2007: USMA Michael Bassi, Jay Berger, Lisa Dugan, David Flaherty, Samuel Greulich, Christopher Mikula, Nicholas Ross, Michael Stephens; USNA Kevin Hoadley, Anthony Innamorato, Leigh Loesel, Christopher Marsh, Christopher Swigart, Christine Taranto; USCGA Charley Kelly, Ryan Lloyd; USMMA Matthew Fouse; USAFA Chris Donohoe, Jake Hempen, Sashonna Iwaniec, Emily Kukuruda, Eric Layo, Michale Lewis, Chris Oravetz, Jonah Reeger, Karissa Walker and Paul Zielinski.

Ruffles and Flourishes: Laura Watson  and Lisa Dugan (USMA '007)

Now in its fifth year and hosted by the Service Academies Parents Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, the ball was equal part romp, pomp and button-popping. There was a presentation of colors, soprano Claudia Benack led guests in "God Bless America" and the National Anthem, and glasses were lifted in patriotic toasts. But the eve's most poignant moment was a powerful reminder of our missing POWs. A silent table for one onstage and the climactic testament by Army 1st Lt. Brian Stone (USMA '02) summed up their valor.

Ruffles and Flourishes: Melissa Antonelli and Ryan Plowey (USMA '05)

After tucking into the Common Plea's delicious menu, these gorgeous young things commanded the dance floor, where Starfire was holding sway. And, yes, they gave new meaning to "at ease."

Judge Mike Fisher and U.S. Congressman Tim Murphy

Present and accounted for among families and friends were ball chairs Sue and Steven Wesmiller with co-chairs Rita and Vincent Deluzio; Carol and Judge Mike Fisher; Nan and U.S. Congressman Tim Murphy; FreeMarkets' Mike Dunn (USMA '87) and Beverly; three generations of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Brian Stone's father, Chuck, and grandfather Melvin (in from Maine); Karen and Dr. Robert Watson of Slippery Rock U.; Matria and Betrand Harper (son Goldwyn led the Grand March!); Drs. Ellen and Loren Roth; Leslie and George Huber; and Janet and Arthur Innamorato.

Army 1st Lt. Brian Stone (USMA '02)

We couldn't miss Debbie and Ken Iwaniec (with son Kent of USMMA and daughter Sashonna in USAFA!); Drs. Roberta and John Malobicky with son John (USMA '85) and Lisa, Joan and Dennis Fazio; Nancy and George Storolis; USN Capt. Joe Vargo and Pat; Dr. Mary Ann and Dennis Resnik; Darlene and Ralph Beatty; USN Capt. John Gurson and Joan; U.S. Army Maj. Gary Polsinelli and Anneliese; U.S. Army Lt. Col. (ret.) Walt Kealey; Daniel and Nancy Rockwell; Sally and Mike Touscany; Jane and Gary Colonna; Cindy and Gary Laney; Jennifer and Scott Gilstrap; Kelly and Jason Altmire.

Officers, gentlemen and ladies, we salute you.

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