Sgt. Elizabeth Orrie, Defense Intelligence Agency, and her date, former Marine Alex Pereira, walk in the parade that began the Headquarters and Service Battalion Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball Jan. 29.

Photo by Adele Uphaus-Conner

Marines celebrate Mardi Gras with a Masquerade Ball

4 Feb 2016 | Adele Uphaus-Conner Marine Corps Base Quantico

Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Headquarters and Service Battalion held its first ever Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball at The Clubs at Quantico on Jan. 29. The ball was for sergeants and below and was meant to build unit cohesion and give Marines within H&S Battalion a chance to come together off-duty. Seventy-two people attended the event dressed in fancy ball gowns, suits, and feathered, glittered, and bejeweled masks.

After a buffet dinner, prizes of video games and gift certificates donated by the United Service Organizations were awarded to the best dressed couple and best dressed male and female.

Master Sgt. Aaron Bonner, Manpower Management Enlisted Assignments, was the guest of honor at the ball.

“I don’t know why you asked me here,” he joked. “Maybe because I’m from Louisiana!”

He thanked the organizers of the event, Sgt. Elaine Deloney, joint officer matters officer for Manpower Management Officer Assignments and Sgt. Terrill Larkins, assistant administration chief for Manpower Management division.

“Let me tell you, this event is top notch,” Bonner said. “This is the best I’ve seen since I’ve been here.”

After his 11-year-old daughter, Ayianna, performed “When the Saints Go Marching In” on her saxophone, Bonner spoke about the history of Mardi Gras and why it’s a fitting celebration for Marines. In Christianity, Mardi Gras, French for “Fat Tuesday,” is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the period of ritual fasting known as Lent. It’s traditionally a 40-day period, representing the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert withstanding the Devil’s temptation, according to the New Testament. Before this time of penitence, it was traditional to eat up all the rich and fatty foods in the household—hence the name, “Fat Tuesday.”

“In its essence, Mardi Gras is about coming together and celebrating accomplishments while preparing to overcome adversity and look to the future,” Bonner said. “That seems pretty fitting for Marines.

Also, Marines love to party!”

— Writer: auphausconner@quanticosentryonline.com