About Us

Our Mission

The North Texas Coalition of Uniformed Service Academies (NTCUSA) has the mission of honoring and recognizing the Midshipmen and Cadets from north Texas who attend one of our five U. S. Uniformed Service Academies. Members of the various Parents’ Clubs volunteer to serve on the NTCUSA to host the Lone Star Military Ball.

This wonderful evening begins with a Grand March of all attending Midshipmen and Cadets, the presentation of national and military colors, a formal dinner, special recognition of the academies’ senior (Firstie) classes, as well as dancing and various other entertainment choices. The event showcases our true Texas hospitality and the undeniable pride we hold for all our military service members. All Cadets and Midshipmen are welcomed along with their invited family and friends. Active duty and retired military, government and business leaders, and other dignitaries and special guests will attend as well to celebrate the occasion.

About NTCUSA

In the early 1990’s, volunteers from each of the five North Texas Service Academy Parents’ Clubs established the NTCUSA to honor and recognize the Midshipmen and Cadets from the greater North Texas area.

We hold this formal military ball during the winter break when the Midshipmen and Cadets are home for the holidays. The first Holiday Ball was held in 1993 with only 250 attendees. In recent years, it has grown upwards to 600 guests, with over 150 of those attending being Cadets and Midshipmen. Organization leadership for the Lone Star Military Ball rotates among the five Parents’ Clubs, with volunteer representatives from all Clubs assuming various planning positions. 2024 – Merchant Marine Academy and Coast Guard Academy Parents’ Club 2025 – West Point Parents’ Clubs 2026 – Naval Academy Parents’ Club 2027 – Air Force Academy Parents’ Club This event is underwritten by citizens and business organizations that enable NTCUSA to keep the Lone Star Military Ball tradition ongoing through their in-kind donations and monetary sponsorships. Sponsorship support allows NTCUSA to continue to provide an outstanding and memorable evening for all without having to pass along the rising costs of such a formal affair to the invitees. These relationships have been, and will continue to be, paramount to the success of the NTCUSA Lone Star Military Ball. Academy Club Representatives USMA – Poev Halvorson USNA – David Walker and Deborah Goodman USMMA – Barb Ward USCGA – Kim Wise and June Matlock USAFA – Mary Steen

Our Board

Chairpersons – Bettin Ripperger, Rev. Dr. April Bristow, USMMA and Shemita Brown, USCGA Co-Chair – Poev Halvorson, USMA Secretary – Barb Ward, USMMA Treasurer – Michele Windsor, USMA