In the exclusive Lion?s Gate Garden Pavilion, located at McClellan Air Force Base, 250 people were in attendance for the Spring Military Ball to celebrate and honor 134 cadets of Sacramento State?s 88th Cadet Wing of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Friday night.

The Military Ball, an annual spring celebration, kicked off with a social hour followed by a procession of traditional AFROTC events, including chimes, a grand march and posting of the colors.

“(The Ball) is a proud military tradition,” said Captain Doug Housel, who has overseen eight of these occasions. “And a way to celebrate the end of the school year.”

Following a traditional mess toast, a sullen tribute was given to fallen Prisoners Of War and those Missing In Action. In remembrance of those “brothers,” a small, set table was placed near the front of the room to honor and symbolize the idea that many from the same profession are missing from their midst.

The sobering atmosphere was quickly replaced with a three-course meal and an entourage of entertainment, including two slide shows and two lively drill team exhibitions by members of the 88th Cadet Wing.

Awards and certificates were also given out to honor exemplary participation and dedication to a number of cadets.

“This is when we honor the best of the best,” said Housel, in reference to the outstanding accomplishments of a few select cadets.

Lieutenant Commander (Retired) Richard Harralson of the U.S. Navy was present to hand out certificates to cadets who participated in the Bataan Death March Memorial to honor those who marched 63 miles without rations. Harralson was a POW, held by the Japanese for over three years in World War II.

Guest speaker Colonel Wayne I. Mudge provided lessons for the cadets, including hard work, tenacity and preparation.

The Military Ball is also a time to honor the graduating cadets, and this was shown through the Saber Arch, where graduates walked under raised swords.

“It has been a tradition in the past but we haven?t done it in a few years,” said Cadet First Lieutenant Vince Heitman, Military Ball committee chair, in regard to the Saber Arch. “We thought it?d be nice to bring it back.”

Following the graduation ceremony, benediction and retiring of the colors, the cadets kicked up their heels for a few hours of dancing.

Though the Military Ball is a time for remembrance, celebration and fun, Sac State?s AFROTC program is hard at work.

“We are the fastest growing detachment in the past two years out of all AFROTC?s in the nation,” Housel said.

Sac State?s program also specializes in “breeding pilots.”

“Eight to nine out of 10 cadets who want a pilot?s license get it,” Housel explained.AFROTC is a program designed to train young men and women as Second Lieutenants into active duty Air Force upon completion of a bachelor?s or master?s degree while in the program. Sac State is one of approximately 75 institutions in California offering Air Force ROTC.

The 134 cadets of the 88th Wing, of whom 42 percent of the freshmen and sophomores are female, represent 11 schools in the Sacramento area.