Contact cpcgapajsab@gmail.com for ticket questions.
Tickets
Click here to purchase tickets.
Please consider donating a ticket for a Cadet/Midshipman if you are unable to attend
In partnership with the Parent Associations Chapters/Clubs of Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia
US Military Academy • US Naval Academy • US Coast Guard Academy • US Merchant Marine Academy • US Air Force Academy
Sponsorship:
To help keep cadet/midshipman costs low, we respectfully request sponsorship. Your sponsorship helps build cross-service relationships among future military leaders, provides opportunities to hear from senior leaders about future military operations and leadership, and honors the commitment of young men and women who have chosen to serve our Nation. For sponsorship opportunities and benefits contact us or use the following link:
In Kind Donations:
We welcome in-kind donations for the raffle, Cadet/Midshipmen gift bags, Firstie gifts, and door prizes. Gift cards and experience certificates are especially helpful and easy to fulfill. For more information please contact us:
2025 JSAB Firstie Tribute
Class 2026 Recognition
All Class of 2026 Firsties in the DC, VA, and MD area will be recognized at the 2025 Joint Service Academy Ball in the Firstie Tribute Slideshow.
Submit your Firstie’s tribute information and photos by December 14, 2025.
Those in attendance will be recognized as part of the Class of 2026 Recognition Ceremony.
What if I have a question that is not answered here?
Send an email to cpcgapajsab@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
What is the Joint Service Academy Ball?
The Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland area Joint Service Academy Ball is a formal military gala bringing together cadets and midshipmen from all five U.S. service academies. This event celebrates service, builds cross-service relationships essential for future joint operations, and provides opportunities to hear from senior military and industry leaders about the future of defense technology, autonomous systems, and leadership in an evolving operational landscape.
U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY
U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD
U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, CT
U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY
What is the order of events?
5:30 pm: Arrive in full uniform for the reception – Check-in, Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm: Family photos are available (these will be available throughout dinner as well)
6:00 pm: Families are seated, and cadets assemble for a group picture
6:10 pm: Grand march on by cadets and midshipmen
6:15 pm: Dinner is served
7:00 pm: Program begins
8:30 pm: Raffle
8:30 pm – 11:00 pm: Dancing, Networking, and much more
Is this a tradition?
Yes. Local non-profit Parent Association Chapters/Clubs of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and Merchant Marine Academies join annually for this holiday ball. This celebration occurs across the country and creates meaningful opportunities for cadets and midshipmen to build cross-service relationships that will serve them throughout their military careers. This evening features guest speakers addressing the future of military operations, leadership, and followership, opportunities for professional networking, traditional military ceremonies, and fellowship. We honor the young men and women who have chosen to serve our Country by attending one of the Nation’s Service Academies. Your attendance keeps a tradition alive – building community, honoring commitment, and inspiring the next generation of military leaders. The USO and local Spouse Associations will be the charity of choice this year.
Who is the host of the Joint Service Academy Ball?
This year the Chesapeake & Potomac Coast Guard Parents’ Association is the host, in partnership with the Parent Association Chapters/Clubs of Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
What happens at the ball?
- Traditional Grand March in of Cadets and Midshipmen
- Color Guard
- Program with guest speaker and honored guests
- Dinner (choice of protein)
- Ceremonial Cake and traditions
- Class of 2026 Recognition
- Firstie Tribute Slideshow
- Professional Photos
- DJ for music and dancing
- Door Prizes & Raffle
- Cross-academy Networking
- Cash Bar
- and much more
Who is the speaker and the MC?
Master of Ceremonies: Jennifer Lovett, Assistant to the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for Space, USAF
Speaker: Invited
What is the theme of the 2025 JSAB?
Honoring the Past’ – Duty · Legacy ·Sacrifice
‘Celebrating the Future’ – Leadership · Innovation · Unity
Anniversaries noted for 2025:
250th birthday of the U.S. Army 1775
250th birthday of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps 1775
250th start of the American Revolutionary War 1775
235th birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard
80th – End of World War II 1945
75th – Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), enacted 1950
75th – Armed Forces Day (first observed 1950)
75th – U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) 1950
55th – Military Sealift Command (MSC) 1970 Maritime Logistics
50th – End of the Vietnam War 1975
Will there be merchandise available?
Yes. A 2025 JSAB challenge coin (designed by a Firstie) and a commemorative holiday memento will be available for purchase when ticket sales open. Quantities will be limited – pre-order and pickup details will be posted on the event website and included in ticket confirmations.
Donate to West Point Parents Club of Maryland, DC and Virginia
Your donation will help us continue our mission and support our community. Every dollar counts and will make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
What is the dress code for the ball?
Men:
Civilian: Black tie - tuxedo, dark suit (optional)
Cadet/Midshipman: Full Dress, Cadet Dress Mess, Dinner Dress, Dinner Dress Blue Jacket or Service Academy Formal Dress Equivalent
Military: Dinner Dress, Dress Mess, Service Dress Blue or Service Equivalent
Women:
Civilian: Long evening dress or pants suit
Cadet: Full Dress, Cadet Dress Mess, Dinner Dress Blue Jacket, Service Academy Formal Dress Equivalent
Military: Dinner Dress, Mess Dress, Service Dress or Service Equivalent
** No Cover **
For reference:
West Point Attire Guide (Military)
We want to stay in D.C. overnight, where should we stay?
Military Lodging:
Navy Lodge @ JBAB
12 Beyer Rd SW, Bldg 4412 Washington DC
If eligible contact JBAB Navy Lodge 30 days before event 202-563-6950 or 800-628-9466
Hotel Blocks for 2025 JSAB:
Homewood Suites by Hilton DC Capitol-Navy Yard
King $129/Queen $149 202-899-2800
50 M St SE, Washington DC (near metro)
Hampton Inn & Suites Washington DC-Navy Yard
King $134/Queen $134
202-899-2800 1265
First St SE, Washington DC (near metro)
Courtyard by Marriott Washington Capitol-Navy Yard
King $109/Queen $129
140 L St SE, Washington DC (near metro)
The Westin Washington National Harbor
King $149
171 Waterfront St National Harbor, Maryland
Gaylord National Resort – National Harbor
King $259/Queen $259
+$27 Resort Fee (2 welcome glasses beer/wine/cocktail @ resort+) Atrium View upgrade $40; Executive Suite upgrade $150
201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Maryland
Where do we park?
You can self-park in the parking lot in front and beside the Joint Base Anacostia–Bolling Club. Additional parking is located in adjacent lots.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Each academy’s registration table will be in the main hall. Guests may check their coats in the coatroom. The event is up the staircase to the left in the Bolling Ballroom and adjacent rooms.
Class of 2026 Recognition – Firstie Tribute Slideshow – What do I need to know?
First Class Bio Submission and Joint Service Academy Slide Show Pictures
All Class of 2026 Firsties in the DC, VA, and MD area will be recognized at the 2025 Joint Service Academy Ball. If you have a First Class Cadet or Midshipman, complete the First Class Bio Page and submit up to 5 photos of your cadet or midshipman to be included in the Joint Service Academy Ball Firstie Tribute slide show. Those in attendance will be recognized during the Class of 2026 Recognition Ceremony.
Firstie Bio Submission:
This is where parents and/or Cadets/Midshipmen upload their formal dress photo for use during the award presentation. This should be the official photo from the Service Academy, if possible. If this is not available, please ensure the photo meets the following requirements:
- SOLO PHOTO – This should not be a group photo.
- FULL DRESS – The photo should show the Cadet/Midshipman in full dress military regalia.
Note: This page also functions as a script generator. Please forgive any repetition, as some questions may feel similar. Each response helps build the script that will be read during the honoring of each Cadet/Midshipman present at the ball.
All submissions are due on or before December 14, 2025
IF A FORMAL GRADUATION PICTURE IS NOT AVAILABLE, PLEASE FIND A DRESS UNIFORM PICTURE WITH A NEUTRAL BACKGROUND
Joint Service Academy Ball, Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles. December 2024
Joint Service Academy Ball, National Museum of the Marine Corps. December 2023
Joint Service Academy Ball, Mayflower Hotel. December 2022