Veterans Celebration of Service
BY BRUCE BRANUM
The Greenville Standard
The Southern Alabama Veterans Ball Association (SAVBA) is hosting two events in November.
The Association is comprised of Veterans and members of three American Legions Posts, Post 24 of Greenville, Post 2020 of Fort Deposit, and Post 80 of Andalusia, along with the Butler County Alabama Veterans Association in Georgiana.
The SAVBA’s only purpose is to host and sponsor these two events that are being held at the Kiwanis Center in Andalusia.
The Veterans Holiday Fair begins Nov. 8 and lasts from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. according to SAVBA Sergeant at Arms Anthony Barganier.
Santa Claus has agreed to join the festivities all day and be in his official capacity from 4-8 p.m., while Can’t Skip This Photography will be there to take requested photos of the children with Santa.
There will also be arts, crafts, food, holiday vendors and attractions of kinds and an appearance by the Excellence of Maneuver U.S. Army Jazz Ensemble that evening.
The Southern Alabama Veterans Ball is Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Kiwanis Center as well and begins at 5 p.m.
The SAVBA Chairman Ray Van Cor said, “The evening is a semi-black tie affair, suits and tie with miniature medals or a tuxedo with miniature medals for the gentleman, and evening gowns and ball dresses for the ladies.”
The U.S. Army Jazz Ensemble will provide the music for the evening and the Troy University Honor Guard will be on hand to display the Colors.
Can’t Skip This Photography will be there to take request photos of the evening, an open Bar, Big Mike’s Steakhouse is catering the event, and the guest speaker is David “Mike” Edwards, Jr., who’s been interviewed on YouTube several times for his exploits while in and out of the military.
Van Cor said, “This is a celebration of service and sacrifice veterans have made for this nation. Every man or woman that has ever served, sacrificed something in service of this country and have been doing it before this country of ours was a country.
He added, “The veterans have been and those that are serving today are the very bedrock, foundation that this country has rested on and continues to sit, and that’s worth celebrating. We want all of our Veterans to join us as we celebrate in style.”
You can purchase and download your Ball tickets at saveteransball.com but you must purchase them before Oct. 8.
