GENERAL EVENT INFORMATION

What is the Delaware Valley All-Service Academies Ball Organization?
We are a non-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)4, Pennsylvania-based corporation whose parent volunteer membership consists of Leigh Valley/Southeastern Pennsylvania area, States of New Jersey and Delaware (called the Delaware Valley or Tri-State area).Parent Volunteers from each of the 5 U.S. Federal Military Academies (West Point, Navy, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and Air Force) working together to organize this annual event, The All-Service Academies' Military Ball. Our Mission is to: Support current U.S. Military Academy students, Veterans, active Military, National Guards and Reserve Troops, and their families. Promote awareness of the military's role in defending America through education programs and public events. Our parent volunteer groups:

US Military Academy - The West Point Parent’s Club of Southeastern Pennsylvania

US Naval Academy - U. S. Naval Academy Southeastern Pennsylvania Parents Association

US Coast Guard Academy – Delaware Valley Chapter of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Parents Association

US Merchant Marine Academy - U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Tri-State Parents’ Association of New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania

US Air Force Academy - South Eastern Pennsylvania Air Force Academy Parents Association
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Is there a formal invitation coming?
A formal invitation will be mailed in the fall. If you do not get a formal invitation you can still make reservations through this website. Just CLICK HERE. Reservations are limited to 350. The deadline for reservations is December 15th or sooner if the limit is reached.
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What is the evening’s format?

1800 - 1850 CASH Bar & Hors D'oeuvres 1850 Guests follow bagpiper into Ballroom; ALL Midshipmen/Cadets and dates remain in hallway and/or cocktail areas for purposes of lining up to be introduced into Ballroom 1900 Introductions into Ball, Ceremonies & Announcements 1930 - 2330 Dinner, Cash Bar & Dancing, Desserts

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What will the Ball be like? 
Fun, yet elegant. There will be music all evening; a photographer will be on site and available for family and individual photographs. It will be a memorable evening; truly a part of the fabulous academy experience.
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What is the Dress Attire for the Ball?
Note: Mess Dress is the military term for the formal evening dress worn in the mess or at other formal occasions.
US Military Academy: Mess Dress
US Naval Academy: Mess Dress
US Coast Guard Academy: Mess Dress
US Merchant Marine Academy: Service Dress Blues
US Air Force Academy: Mess Dress - except 4th Degree Cadets not yet issued their mess dress - wear Service Dress.
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Have you invited my Congressman or any other political Leaders?
If you have a particular political leader you wish to be invited, click here to contact the Ball Committee and an invitation will be sent.
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My Mid/Cadet does not want to come. Can parents, friends, etc. still come without them?
Most definitely! Then you can tell them about all the fun they missed!
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Are gifts provided for the Cadets and Midshipmen?
Each attending Cadet/Mid will receive a gift from the DVASAB Committee at the conclusion of the evening.
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What if we want to submit something for the program? We were thinking of a congratulatory message from our parents' club?
Yes. Each Parents’ Club submits a message to all cadets in the evening’s program. Please contact your Academy’s representative listed on Contact Us for more details.
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PAYMENT INFORMATION

Do you accept credit cards for payment for Ball tickets?
NO, Credit Cards are not accepted! Payment using PayPal is accepted and is subject to a service fee. Click here to register and pay online.
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Will we need money the evening of the event?
Yes. There will be a cash bar during cocktail hour and dinner. Please consider tipping the bartender and parking attendants as well.
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VENUE INFORMATION

Where do we park?
Parking is available at Midtown Garage, located on Sansom Street opposite the Union League. Click here for details.
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We are thinking of spending the night in Philadelphia. Are there any special room rates for overnight stays for Ball attendees?
YES. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Union League for the DVASAB discounted rate. Please call (215) 563-6500 or click here to visit the website of The Union League of Philadelphia. In addition, there are many hotels in close proximity to the ball.
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FOOD/BEVERAGE/ENTERTAINMENT INFORMATION

Is there a live band?
No. We've found that the Cadets and Midshipmen enjoy a greater variety of music provided by a DJ so we will utilize a DJ for music and dancing.
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Will you provide a photographer?
A photographer will be available for group and family photos during the Cocktail Hour and after formal events. Please make your arrangements directly with the photographer. Each cadet/mid will receive a photo with the date as a gift. This photo will be taken during introductions.
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Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes. A vegetarian selection is available as a substitute to the assigned meal. Please indicate the number of vegetarian meals required on the reservation response card when reserving your tickets.
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Is this a buffet or a seated dinner?
This is a Seated Dinner, served to your table by the wait-staff.
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Is the seating assigned?
Yes. There are tables of ten or twelve. You will receive your table number at our welcome table upon arrival. Your reservation card will allow you to request seating with friends and family. Most often seating is set up to seat parents of the same Academy together... Air Force guests will be seated with other Air Force guests; Navy guests with other Navy guests, etc.
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