Volunteer Recognition

Back on May 21st, my husband and I got into the van and headed to post to go to the "Division Headquarters." I had been cordially invited by General Something-Or-Other to come and be recognized for my volunteer work. (Don't you love my name dropping? I'm so a-political when it comes to my hubby's work.)



So we went, I sat in the special section and we listened to the Airborne Chorus do a little perfomance.



Then we were called up by unit and by name...



Shook some people's hands...


Were postitioned on the stage by height...

(This photo is from a friend that was there)

And had a Photo Op.


Then we received certificates and had a luncheon. I have been invited to several of these over the years....but this (like The Military Ball) is the first time I actually showed up.

I really don't need to be recognized for volunteering some of my time. It's just a thing. But since we are leaving the unit after all these years, I thought I would finally play nice and go :-)

A Military Ball

Last night was a first for my husband and I.

We have been military for 19 years, and until now, have never gone to a ball. You should see the looks we would get at times when people heard it was our first time attending one. Shock or Awe....not quite sure which. But this year it was "MANDATORY" for certain ranks... "OR ELSE."

So I bought a dress a couple months ago, in preparation for the evening.

Yesterday I got all "dolled up" and hubby got himself all "spiffied" up and we went to a ball.

In the yard before we left.



We got there and one of the first formalities is the "posting of the colors." The lighting there was terrible, so please forgive the condition of some of these pictures.


Then the 82d Airborne Chorus performed. This was actually the second time in a week I saw these soldiers singing. The other was at a volunteer appreciation ceremony....which I have yet to post about.






A tradition in the 82d, is that when the "All American Soldier" song is sung, paratroopers (past and present) must stand at attention and sing along.


The ladies/spouses just kind of sit around and wait with bemused looks on their faces.



Traditions. The Army has a lot of them.

Then there is this tradition.

THE GROG.

It is as ominous as it sounds.


THE GROG.

Run. Run far away!!!!

It begins with a history lesson...and proceeds with the pouring of "stuff" into the punch bowl. People representing the different portions of the unit, each pour a bottle of "something" into the bowl. Mostly very, very "hard" stuff.


This lady represented the spouses, and poured in a bottle of champaigne.


Oh by the way, each bottle must be "proven drinkable" before being poured into THE GROG.




Then it is all stirred together with a special stirrer that looks suspiciously like a toilet brush. Then the youngest lieutenant there has to "test" the grog. That poor guy was given two ladle-fulls......then something else was added because it was just not right. Then he had to test it AGAIN. Never saw the guy again the rest of the night. (The Grog preceded eating.....oh that poor kid!)

After that, we ate, there were speeches, and other formalities, and awards given to some special people.


There was some socializing and picture-taking.




Mr. & Mrs. Q




After all the formalities, the colors are then retired.


And the dancing begins!






I have NO idea who that lady is, but she should really fire her dry-cleaner, because obviously her dress shrunk.





And then many of us retired to the parking lot for a post-party tail-gate and chat-fest.


Some of us ladies.




And what's a party without a group shot?


All in all, it was a nice evening. It was very long (4:30 - Midnight) but it was enjoyable. At least for most of us.

Not sure about that poor young lieutenant, though.

Cheddar Ham Chowder

This is another recipe that I have gone ahead and re-done for the purpose of adding a "pictorial."

This soup is great for when you have left-over ham. Even if you don't, you can get one of those "ready-to-cook" ham steaks, chop it up, and it works great!

To start, chop up an onion and a couple cloves of garlic.


Heat a couple tablespoons of oil in a dutch oven.


Saute the onion & garlic until it is tender and just beginning to get golden on the edges.


Now toss in 2 or 3 cups of diced potatoes. I prefer the reds with skin on. If you like yours nekkid....go for it.


Next toss in about 2 cups of assorted frozen vegetables. If you prefer fresh, that is fine, just chop up your favorite soup veggies...you just need about 2 cups.


Stir them around, and then add just enough water to cover the veggies. About 2 1/2 - 3 cups.


Now, if you bought the "ready-to-cook" ham, add it now. If yours is already-cooked left-overs, wait until later. (You need about 2 cups)


Bring this to a boil, then reduce the temperature, and let it simmer until the vegetables are almost, but not quite done.

In the meantime, grate up a bunch of cheese. About 2 1/2 cups or so. I used half yellow, and half white sharp cheddar, but any kind of cheddar is fine. I think sharp is best though, because you can taste it better in the chowder.


Then in a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup (1/2 a stick) of butter.


Whisk in 1/4 cup flour.


Then whisk in 2 cups milk.


Bring this to a boil, stirring constantly. It will thicken up nicely. Remove from heat.


Now add in about 2 cups of the grated cheese. Add a little at a time, stirring continually. You are melting in the yummy cheese. If you need to, you can return the saucepan to a low heat to finish the melting job.


***Just a note---you have just created a REALLY scumptious cheese sauce...think broccoli, peas, or any thing else that is good with cheese sauce. Stir in some salsa and you've got a great nacho dip!

Just think of the possibilities!


I'm just saying.


Okay...so now you are going to take this cheese sauce, and stir it into the veggie soup that's been cooking so patiently.


Now take a couple sprigs of fresh thyme, and pull off the leaves and toss them in. If you don't have fresh, just toss in about 3/4 tsp of the dry.


Now some salt...


And pepper...


Now add 1 cup of whole kernel corn.


**If you had the already/left-over ham, this is the time to add it in.

Let it cook until the corn is cooked, and the ham is hot.

Serve topped with the remaining grated cheese, and maybe a little parsley if you like.

Enjoy!





PRINTABLE VERSION: Cheddar Ham Chowder