General Toreaser Steele, USAF (ret) Recognized By Military Legacy Ball

Chairperson, Technical Sergeant Melinda Drummond, USAF

It was a night of hope and celebration of youth at the 502^nd Air Base Wing’s First Ever Military Legacy Ball Feb 26 to celebrate Black History Month.

Nearly 250 guest gathered at the Marriott Rivercenter Grand Ballroom to raise money and awareness, and recognize the contributions of the George Gervin Youth Center and Laura Thompson with the Community Excellence Award. 

“It was a night to be remembered,” said Major Christopher Herring, who presented the Community Excellence Award to Laura Thompson, Owner, Laura Thompson Agency, Associate Publisher of the Inaugural Who’s Who of Black San Antonio and Founder of vibrant organization Sistas in Business.  “Our Who’s Who  in Black San Antonio  recipient Laura Thompson literally created from scratch a beautiful, historic tribute to the men and women who best exemplified the excellence and the leadership of our community.  In fact Laura's journey reflects the 2010 Department of Defense Black History Month theme of Black Economic Empowerment. “

As a part of the evening’s festivities, Brigadier General Toreaser A. Steel, retired United States Air Force and current Development Director for the George Gervin Youth Center delivered the keynote address. She told of the audience of the about the hardships of today’s youth and the importance to develop and mentor people of all races and colors to help America rebound from this recession and time of war.  She challenged the audience to invest in the youth and minority groups within corporate America settings as well, speaking of the need to see more minorities at the corporate boardroom tables where decisions are made.  The Committee Chairperson, Technical Sergeant Melinda Drummond, Co-Chair, Technical Sergeant Letosha Shepherd and advisor Major William Collins Jr. presented the George Gervin Youth Center with a $2,500 donation for inspiring the community by the unselfish work at the Youth Center.

The George Gervin Youth Center, founded by NBA Hall of Famer, San Antonio Spurs all-star shooting guard, and one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest players, George “The Iceman” Gervin, chartered the youth center to help educate some of San Antonio’s most underserved youth.  More than twenty years ago, George Gervin Youth Center, Inc. serves over 1,400 youth, military veterans, and families annually targeting the most in need through academic education, training, housing, childcare, workforce development and a host of support services.

Attendees Enjoy The Military Legacy Ball (CPS Energy Table)

Overall the event flowed perfectly for such a grand night of celebrating culture and ushering in a new standard for the 502^nd command.  Brigadier General Leonard Patrick, the event host, summarized the importance of America’s rich history and the importance of mentorship.  Master of Ceremonies Quinn Hudson provided a short comedy act brought from his appearances on B.E.T. Comic View and Comedy Central performances.   

“The success of the event was directly tied to the leadership of USAA, National Blue Printing Company and CPS Energy who believed in the vision of the event”, said Lieutenant Colonel William Young, Jr. who introduced the guest speaker, and was recognized by Black Enterprise on their Hottest Business Leaders List Edition.  “Everyone was on the front end of their chairs listening attentively to General Steele’s remarks – the fact is you rarely get to meet a humble servant leader who has led a global $8.3 billion retail, food and services business … and now she is at the grassroots level working to improve San Antonio’s youth.  The committee did a great job selecting her to speak.”

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For more Information to the 2011 Military Legacy Ball, visit MilitaryLegacyBall.com.

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