Wow!  Yesterday was a whirlwind of events.  It's hard to believe how much actually fit into a 24 hour period.  I apologize for not getting this out sooner, but there just wasn't any time. 

3 July was the first day of the Essence Music Festival, and what a day it was.  The day started off with a WCAP/Drill Sergeant PT session that got a lot of people's attention at the entrance.  As visitors walked further they saw the huge Army display.  The Army team came out strong with our interactive exhibit area.  If anyone is in town or close by, you should come out and visit us! The activities on and off the stage don't stop.  Push-up contests, the Army Steppers, rock wall climbing, the Buffalo Soldiers, the Army Jazz Band, health screenings cooking exhibitions, how to join the Army, and of course information provided on how to have college fully funded through West Point or ROTC. I'm sure I left out a lot.  Come experience it for yourself!   I was amazed at how the energy kept going. 

We had people come up to our booth (West Point) representing every age group and demographic you can think of.  From a 15 month old to grandmothers and grandfathers, everyone was there.  It's never too early to learn about it and it's never too late to help spread the word.  I had such a great time talking with people and getting to know them and what they're interested in.  I realize not everyone is interested in going to West Point, and that's fine, but I also realize that a lot of people aren't aware of that opportunity, and that's what my job is...making people aware of the opportunity and helping the pursue the dream if that's what they want.  As a member of the greater Army force and outreach effort, I walked some prospects over to the AMEDD and ROTC booths to get them more information. 

After all the festivities in the exhibit area, I got myself ready for the VIP reception dinner at the Superdome.  What a beautiful event.  Some of the attendees of the dinner included:  GEN Ward the highest ranking African-American in the Army as a 4 Star General and the AFRICOM Commander, MG Bartell, BG Bray, BG Pinckney, CSM King, CSM Jones (the highest ranking female African-American NCO) CSM Turner, CSM Lacy.  Broadcaster Merri Dee, Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine Angela Burt-Murray, and several other distinguished guests.  It was amazing and it was definitely an honor to be there!  

When the dinner was over, we made our way to the live performances by Nee-yo, John Legend and Beyonce...or should I say Sasha Fierce?  All great performances!

I can't believe that was all just day 1.  Day 2 has just begun and I can't wait to experience all that it may have in store! 

I'll be in touch!

~Kirsten (CPT Rowe)