Commentary by Capt. Michael Moynahan, Commander of Delta Co., 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry
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Kentucky Guardsmen gathered for the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Ball in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 6, 2016. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- On Saturday, February 6, 2016 the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Battalion hosted their annual banquet at the National Guard Association of Kentucky’s Conference at the Crowne Plaza in Louisville.
For all photos of the event, please click HERE.
Billed as the “Infantry Ball”, the event turned out over 200 guests from units from all Major Support Commands across the Commonwealth. The organizers of the event were President of the Mess, Capt. Mike Moynahan and Capt. Ryan Hubbs. Both are Company Commanders in the Infantry Battalion. Capt. Hubbs served as Mr. Vice and as the master of ceremonies made sure that the “Rules of the Mess” were strictly enforced and that all events stayed on schedule.
The Infantry Battalion kept their guests engaged throughout the evening by encouraging participation in time honored military events such as the Toasts, Grog Bowl and Awards ceremony.
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Lt. Col. Thomas Black presents the Order of Saint Maurice to Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Roberge during the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Ball in Louisville, Ky., Feb. 6, 2016. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
Lt. Col. Joseph Lear and Command Sgt. Major Matt Roberge were both honored by receiving the National Infantry Association’s most prestigious award known as the Order of Saint Maurice. Established in 1994 as a joint venture between the U.S. Army Infantry Branch and the National Infantry Association, these awards are given to those Soldiers who have contributed significantly to the Infantry and maintain the highest order of integrity and commitment to their brothers in arms.
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cole was also the recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice. Lt. Col. Cole is the former Battalion Commander of the Infantry Battalion who passed away from his long battle with cancer in 2015. After a long standing ovation from the entire hall, Mrs. Christi Cole, wife of Lt. Col. Cole received the award in his honor.
The event was capped off with Kentucky’s newest Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Stephen Hogan addressing the room full of Guard Soldiers and their guests discussing the importance of family and supporting the Guard’s Mission. The 202
nd Band provided the music for dancing well into the night.