Submitted by SGM Paul J. Smith, Senior VP, AGCRA Potomac Chapter
On Friday, September 13th, 2024, the AGCRA Potomac Chapter held its Annual AG Ball at the Springfield Hilton in Springfield, VA, just southwest of Washington, D.C.
This year, our Chapter hosted a Masquerade Ball, allowing Soldiers to “let their hair down” and engage in a less formal setting. While the Chapter still conducted the traditional sequence of events like the national anthem beautifully sung by SSG Maya Rodriguez, the invocation given by Chaplain (LTC) Linda Lesane, and the POW/MIA Remembrance impressively done by 1SG Johnathan Benton, this year was most certainly different for our Chapter.
While some eventgoers donned the traditional Army Service Uniform, patrons of the event were highly encouraged to dress the part, and they were most certainly impressed! Even though in uniform, masks were provided by the Chapter so everyone could participate as we intended. “I really enjoyed getting to know AG professionals on a deeper level, to learn a little bit more about them through their individual expression through their fashion tastes in a celebratory environment.” – CPT Carolyn Drexler, FMD, IPPS-A Operations Officer
During the Ball, the Old Guard Color Guard Team presented and retired the colors while "Pershing’s Own" U.S. Army Band “Downrange” provided entertainment during the dining portion of the Ball.
The Chapter’s guest speaker for the evening’s celebration was none other than CW5 Dixon-Carter, the former Assistant Executive Officer (AXO) and Senior Warrant Officer Adviser to the Chief of Staff of the Army, Washington, D.C. Spanning across 35 years, CW5 Dixon-Carter has been a titan in the Adjutant General's Corps Community. She has served in myriad senior Army positions that most recently include AXO to the United States European Command, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, and later the Chief of Staff of the Army.
CW5 Dixon-Carter spoke about the importance of transformation. “Progress does not have to be perfect, but it does have to be consistent,” said CW5 Dixon-Carter. She spoke about her pride in seeing a system like the Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army (IPPS-A) deployed before she left the Army. She ended her speech aptly by yelling “SHIELDS UP!” providing the audience the ability to reply with “DEFEND AND SERVE!” It was a true honor to have CW5 Dixon-Carter speak at this event. Her words not only resonated with everyone but lifted and motivated them as well!
Other honored guests included BG Greg Johnson, Director of Military Personnel Management, and SGM Kenyatta Gaskins, Senior Enlisted Advisor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Many industry partners like Booz Allen Hamilton, Nakapuna, CACI, ASM Research, and Deloitte joined in the festivities of the evening.
As the night ended, DJ Fish provided terrific music to which the attendees could dance, and the Potomac Chapter could not help but think about 2025.
While the Ball was a resounding success, one of the Chapter’s main coordinators, CPT Katie To, spoke about going bigger and better next year. CPT To announced, “We look forward to selecting a theme, date, and time that will draw out all the HR Professionals in the National Capital Region to support the Corps' 250th Birthday.”
Be on the lookout for more exciting events from the Potomac Chapter, and we hope to see you at next year’s Ball!
