Alabama State University’s Office of Accessibility and Veteran Affairs held its first Military Ball on Nov. 6, at 7 p.m., bringing veterans, military-affiliated students, alumni, and supporters together in the John Garrick Hardy Student Center Ballroom. The evening marked a clear statement of respect and gratitude for those who serve, those who served, and those preparing to serve.
President Quinton T. Ross Jr., Ed.D., welcomed guests and spoke about the university’s long history with the United States Armed Forces. He pointed to the graduates who have served across military branches and to the impact of Air Force ROTC Detachment 019, which has trained future officers at the university for more than five decades.
Retired Col. Teresa A. Townsend delivered a keynote address that blended humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom as she reflected on her three-decade Army career and the service of those in uniform. Townsend acknowledged her ties to Tuskegee University and Alabama A&M but said it was an honor to stand before Hornet Nation in an official capacity. She recognized her mother, Ann Bridget, a retired Army spouse who cared for her late father, a disabled veteran, and praised military families as “unsung heroes.” Townsend recounted her journey from JROTC at Enterprise High School to Army ROTC at Tuskegee Institute, service on active duty as a logistics officer, deployment to Iraq as a logistics director, and her eventual return to education as a teacher and JROTC instructor. She told student veterans that their leadership, discipline, resilience, and problem-solving skills enrich the campus community and urged them to use the benefits and support systems available to them. “Service is the rent we pay for living on this earth,” she said, reminding the audience that veterans continue their mission in classrooms, communities, and careers long after leaving their uniform.
The program moved with purpose; Master of Ceremonies David Hammond guided the crowd as Jae’lin Russell sang the National Anthem, and Sergeant LaSelle Brown offered the invocation.
Retired Colonel Gregory L. Clark presented the Missing Man Table Ceremony, honoring service members who are missing in action or held as prisoners of war. He followed with the ceremonial toast. Master Sergeant George Bell led the recognition of each military branch.
The College of Visual and Performing Arts presented a dramatic selection from “Camp Logan,” directed by Brian Martin. The performance highlighted the strength and sacrifice woven into military history. Dr. Malinda Swoope, Ph.D., Vice President of Student Affairs, presented awards and recognitions before the traditional cake-cutting ceremony.
Department Director Derriya Sankey, who leads the Office of Accessibility and Veteran Affairs and advises the Student Veterans of America chapter, thanked campus partners for supporting the event. She said the ball gave student veterans a chance to be seen and appreciated for their work on campus and in the community.
Sankey closed the evening by thanking students, sponsors, and partners for helping shape a meaningful first Military Ball. She said the event reflected the university’s continued support for student veterans and military-affiliated Hornets. The night honored service, acknowledged sacrifice, and introduced a new tradition.
