After marching up the large cement hill, in the rain, wearing four-inch heels and one hell of a burgundy dress, I finally found myself lost in a sea of navy blue uniforms, sailor suits and olive green uniforms. Thank God my arm was linked with my date, so I wouldn’t have to play a game of “Where’s Waldo” in order to find him. “Well, Jen, these are my buddies, 4th Marine Division F.M.F. (Fleet Marine Force),” said my blonde hairdo, hazel eyed, chiseled L.C (Lance corporal).
     As we continued to walk around the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort, at Dana Point, California, I noticed aspects of traditional proms could be found at this Marine Corps Ball. For example, some of the handsome, robust Marines had equally beautiful dates. The Guest of Honor Master Gunnery Sergeant Joseph Monaco, made a fabulous speech about the celebration of the Marine Corps Ball, which was similar to my high school class president’s speech at my prom. And of course, what prom is complete without cake! However, the cake at the Marine Corps Ball was sliced with a sword and big enough to feed over 400 hungry Marines and their dates.
     In contrast to a high school prom, the Marines can really chow down when it comes to food. Our appetizers for the evening where lobster bisque and tortellini pesto, accompanied with a California salad. Though I couldn’t pronounce the fancy name of the entrees, (yes I do mean entrees, they served two for each person) my belly seemed to digest what looked like grilled salmon with citrus cream sauce and grilled chicken breast with garlic butter sauce. As if I wasn’t full enough, fresh seasoned vegetables, potatoes, rolls, cheese, crackers, grapes and any alcoholic beverage you could ever want were available at your fingertips.
     The best thing, from my perspective about this Marine birthday bash, was that all the ladies were dressed appropriately and elegant. No chicks had their boobs hanging out like J Lo. and midriff dresses were considered something you might see a drag queen wearing on Castro Street.
     As for the buffed up, hunky Marine boys, most were wearing their uniforms or “dress blues” as they like to term it.
     Also, Marines can really accessorize, as I noticed all the different medals, pins on their suits, white gloves to cover their hand and white hats with black brims (covers is what the Marines call them).
     Some of these strong young men had really cool swords at their sides which made their whole uniformed appearance make you want to fan yourself and say “Damn…God Bless America!”
     With everyone looking fly, there was really nothing left to do except get drunk and dance the night away. Unless you are a Marine, I wouldn’t recommend this event for guys, but for all you ladies out there, if you get a chance, attend a Marine Corps Ball. There’s just something about sitting at a table full of gorgeous dudes that are trained to kill a man with their bare hands that I find really sexy.