Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Delaware Valley All Service Academies' Ball Organization?

We are a non-profit Pennsylvania-based organization whose parent volunteer membership consists of 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) work together to organize this annual event, The All Service Academies' 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 Parents' 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
Will you provide a photographer?

The photographers for this years event is Marikate Venuto and Tony Wood. Check back to our website to view photos after the event.
Is there a formal invitation coming?

In effort to reduce waste and its affect on the environment, we are primarily sending out electronic invitations. If you do not receive an electronic invitation you can still make reservations through this website. Email Meg Farbman at allacademiesball.delval@gmail.com with any questions. Event capacity is limited to 350 people. The deadline for reservations is December 15, 2024 or sooner if the limit is reached.
What is the evening’s format?

18:00 - 18:50 CASH Bar & Hors D'oeuvres 18:50 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 19:00 Introductions into Ball, Ceremonies & Announcements 19:30 - 23:00 Dinner, Cash Bar & Dancing, Desserts
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.
What is the Dress Attire for the Ball?

Cocktail attire, Black tie optional for guests. Mess Dress for Midshipmen and Cadets. 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.
Have you invited my Congressman or any other political Leaders?

If you have a particular political leader you wish to be invited, contact the Ball Committee at allacademiesball.delval@gmail.com and an invitation will be sent.
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!
What if we want to submit something for the program? We were thinking of a congratulatory message from our parents' club?

Yes. You are able to purchase a "shout out/tribute" to an individual cadet/midshipmen, a veteran, a squad, or a branch. These can be purchased online on the home page.
Do you accept credit cards for payment for Ball tickets?

Yes, Credit Cards are accepted. Please visit our ticket page.
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.
Where do we park?

Parking is available at Midtown Garage, located on Sansom Street opposite the Union League at an additional fee.
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 215-587-5570 or visit the website of The Union League of Philadelphia. In addition, there are many hotels in close proximity to the ball.
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.
Is this a buffet or a seated dinner?

This is a Seated Dinner, served to your table by the wait-staff.
Is the seating assigned?

Yes. There are tables of ten or twelve. You will receive your table number at our welcome table upon arrival. In an effort to carry out the concept of "Together We Stand," cadets, midshipmen and their dates will be seated together in mixed academy graduation year groupings. However, specific seating requests will be honored to the best of our ability. For example, family groupings may be seated with their cadets or midshipmen if requested. Please indicate your preferences on the back of your response card.