Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball  

On 06NOV04 the Naval Battalion celebrated the Navy and Marine Corps' 229th Birthday. The Guest of Honor was Colonel Louis N. Rachal, the commanding officer of the Marine Corps' Officer Candidates' School in Quantico, Virginia. Colonel Rachal spoke of his experiences leading Marines and the importance of celebrating the Marine Corps and Navy's Birthday. After the formal ceremony the midshipmen and their dates enjoyed a great dinner and a night of dancing.

Color Guard, Sword Detail, and Cake Cutting Detail. All three did a superb performance during the formal ceremony.

Midshipman Battalion CO, MIDN Dittig, introduces the Guest of Honor, Colonel Rachal

Colonel Rachal addresses the Virginia Tech Midshipman Battalion and guests. He shared some great stories from his experiences as an officer of Marine infantrymen as well as the rewards of leading today's Marines and Sailors.

MIDN Dittig presents Colonel Rachal with a picture of Virginia Tech landmarks in appreciation for his attendance.

Midshipmen and their guests enjoy time for dinner, socializing, and a little dancing at the end.