Patriotism in Waco will ring out loud and clear at the ninth annual Freedom Ball this month.

The Freedom Ball is a fun, patriotic event honoring our soldiers and veterans, said Lynnette Allmon, Freedom Ball event chair. My husband, Jim, and I are proud to be the founders of such a celebration. The purpose of the ball is not only to honor our troops, but also to raise scholarship funds for students interested in pursuing careers in aviation.

Jim Allmon is president of Blackhawk Modifications, which provides upgrades on aircraft.

One notable change this year is when the ball is being held. The event, which is sponsored by the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce and the Waco Aviation Alliance, usually takes place in the fall, but this year it will happen in the spring, specifically the evening of March 25 at the Waco Convention Center.

Rachel Martinez, the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerces director of leadership development, said the date was changed due to scheduling conflicts with the Waco Convention Center and Baylor football games.

We chose to move the event to March of this year where we would not be competing with so many other events, Martinez said.

Event planners are expecting around 450 guests to attend. Martinez said local elected officials have been invited and U.S. Rep. Bill Flores has already confirmed. There will also be plenty of local military in attendance as well as Gold Star guests, who are surviving family members of a relative killed in war.

The Freedom Ball is a fun, patriotic event honoring our soldiers and veterans, said Lynnette Allmon, Freedom Ball event chair. My husband, Jim, and I are proud to be the founders of such a celebration. The purpose of the ball is not only to honor our troops, but also to raise scholarship funds for students interested in pursuing careers in aviation.

Jim Allmon is president of Blackhawk Modifications, which provides upgrades on aircraft. Lynnette is an executive vice president with Blackhawk.

Lynnette Allmon said all scholarships remain within the state of Texas, and special consideration is given to those who are former military or dependents of active-duty military personnel and veterans.

Because of the generous support of our sponsors, we have been able to award over $100,000 in scholarships to future aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians, aerospace engineers, air traffic controllers and pilots, she said.

Felix Chiota, chairman of Greater Waco Aviation Alliance added that for him the ball is chiefly to express gratitude, pay homage, and honor our military men and women. The Greater Waco Aviation Alliance (GWAA) is also a strong advocate for the academic success of aviation-minded college students.

In past years several local hotels have provided Fort Hood soldiers a complimentary night of lodging for the evening. Martinez said this year will be no different and the Hilton Waco has generously offered a block of rooms at no cost to the soldiers.

It is so important to show support for our military and what a great way to be able to honor all the branches and raise money for a great cause all at the same time, Martinez said. The military and their families put so much on the line for our freedom, to be able to give them an evening where we can honor them and thank them for their service and sacrifice its the least we can do.

The Freedom Ball began when the Aviation Alliance wanted to help develop local talent and provide a pipeline for the aviation industry.

Allmon said that thankfully there is such a strong aviation presence in Central Texas, too.

There are 30 aviation-related businesses in the area, including L3, SpaceX, Ram Aircraft and Blackhawk, she said. We all know how important it is to have a well-trained aviation workforce, and the Freedom Ball scholarship funds will play just a small part in helping to ensure the future of aviation.

Jim Allmon was the chairman of the Aviation Alliance at the time and brought forth the idea of creating a scholarship fund. Lynette, in turn, created the Freedom Ball to help raise the necessary funds.

Its the only event of its kind in Central Texas, she said.

Jim and I hold this cause near and dear to our hearts as we celebrate the veterans in our family, Lynnette said. Jim served in the Air Force; my father served under General Patton in World War II; my brother was career Air Force, and my brother-in-law served and was wounded in Vietnam.

Martinez said the Freedom Ball has steadily grown in attendance over the years.

The ball has also expanded its recognition of servicemen and women, while recognizing the Gold Star wives, too, she said. This has become recognized as a signature community event. The event is a wonderful way to honor our military and at the same time raise dollars.

When, where: 6:30 to 11 p.m. March 25 in Chisholm Hall at the Waco Convention Center.

Tickets: $100 per person or $50 for veterans and active-duty military. A table of eight costs $750.

Events: Silent and live auctions and activities that include a wine pull and a photo booth.

Information: Tickets are available online at FreedomBallWaco.com or by calling 750-5600.

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Freedom Ball marches strong to honors soldiers, veterans and raise funds - Waco Tribune-Herald