CENTRAL COAST — Friends of Fort Hunter Liggett recently hosted the inaugural IHG Army Hotels Central Coast Military Ball at the Allegretto Vineyard and Resort in Paso Robles to honor Central Coast service members.
Friends of Fort Hunter Liggett is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the Central Coast’s military communities by offering various forms of assistance. Their goal is to bridge the gap where existing Department of Defense programs might fall short.
Notable attendees appeared at the Sept. 20 event, including Paso Robles Mayor John Hamon, Fort Hunter Liggett Commander Col. Stephen Trotter, Presidio of Monterey Commander Col. Dan Artino, Vandenberg Space Force Base Commander Col. Mark Shoemaker and guest speaker Vietnam War veteran Rod Dykhouse.
Guests experienced many cherished military traditions, including a Fallen Soldier Table, Armed Forces Medley, Presentation of Colors and the infamous Grog Bowl.
The night was filled with laughter and celebrations of the military communities. Guests made toasts in true military fashion with the best wine from Glunz Family Winery. Each attendee received a custom challenge coin as a reminder of the Central Coast’s support for service members.
“This was worth it; all the hard work and time spent planning was worth it,” remarked Friends of Fort Hunter Liggett co-founder Earnest Kirchner. “It was great to see all these hard-working men and women enjoying themselves and celebrating their service to our country.”
Attendee Brandi Garza said, “This was quite the experience. My son, who just graduated Basic Combat Training, experienced his very first military ball; and it is so special that I got to be a part of it.”
The event had many sponsors, including the Gold Star Sponsor, IHG Army Hotels, and Bronze Star Sponsor, Warhorse Training Solutions. Other sponsors included Bassetti Farms in King City, Kritz Trucking and Excavation, the King City VFW, Walmart and more.
The organization has already begun planning the Second Annual Central Coast Military Ball.
Visit the website fhlfriends.com to become a sponsor for this event or to learn more about Friends of Fort Hunter Liggett.
