AAMU Honors Distinguished Alumni, Cadets, and Community Supporters
Alabama A&M University ROTC Hosts 52nd Annual Military Ball
The Alabama A&M University ROTC Program held its 52nd Annual Military Ball on Saturday, April 19, inside the Event Center, continuing a cherished tradition that unites past and present in celebration of service, sacrifice, and leadership. With more than 300 guests in attendance, the evening brought together cadets, alumni, families, and community partners to honor the proud legacy of the Bulldog Battalion.
This year’s keynote speaker, Major General Gavin Lawrence, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics and Operations at U.S. Army Materiel Command, brought powerful insights and reflections from a decorated career spanning more than three decades. A 1995 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Lawrence has served in multiple command posts, overseas deployments, and high-level Pentagon roles. His journey from the Quartermaster Corps to the upper ranks of Army logistics exemplifies the excellence and dedication that AAMU ROTC cadets aspire to.
Colonel (Ret.) Anthony Wilson, Class of 1999 and President of the Bulldog Brigade of Military Alumni, noted the significance of this next chapter in the program’s history and its continued commitment to developing leaders of character and purpose.
The Military Ball also honored two outstanding alumni who have left a lasting impact on the Bulldog Battalion and the broader military community. Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Angelo Johnson, Class of 1985, was inducted into the Alabama A&M University ROTC Hall of Fame, with his spouse accepting the award in his honor. Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Jesse Pugh, Class of 1977, was also inducted for his distinguished service and enduring commitment to leadership.
Community partners and corporate sponsors, including Amentum, First Command, USAA, and Team Redstone, were among the many supporters in attendance whose ongoing dedication strengthens the mission and impact of the ROTC program throughout the year.
“The 52nd Military Ball was an epic event that's embedded in my mind forever,” said Professor of Military Science LTC Early Howard, Jr.
As the Battalion looks toward the future, it continues to reach new milestones. For the first time in program history, the AAMU ROTC Bulldog Battalion will host two Spring Commissioning Ceremonies in 2025. The first, set for Friday, May 2 at 1:00 p.m. at Charger Union Theater on the University of Alabama in Huntsville campus, will see three cadets commissioned. Major General Kevin F. Meisler, Chief of Staff and Assistant Deputy Commanding General for Reserve Affairs at U.S. Army Materiel Command, will deliver remarks.
The second ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 8 at 2:00 p.m. in Clyde Foster Auditorium on the Alabama A&M University campus, where seven cadets will be commissioned.