OTC director appearing in ballet
Colonel Steve Duke will be the guest “Mother Ginger”
Dec. 12 for the 48th annual production of Ballet Austin’s “The
Nutcracker,” the longest running production of the ballet in Texas.
Duke, director of the Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational
Test Command, carries on a military tradition that began in 2004 with
Beth Chiarelli, wife of Gen. Peter Chiarelli, then-commander of the 1st
Cavalry Division, as the first Fort Hood Mother Ginger.
Other Fort Hood celebrity Mother Gingers include Brig. Gen. Don
MacWillie, OTC commanding general; former OTC commanders Brig. Gen.
Chris Tucker and Col. Curtis Potts; and Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Wilson,
former OTC senior-enlisted advisor.
“I’m looking forward to joining a long line of distinguished Fort Hood
alumni,” Duke said. “It’s a great way to get into the Christmas spirit,
and it’s an honor to be asked to take part in a wonderful holiday
tradition.”
Duke will take the stage at the 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 12, at the Long
Center for the Performing Arts, located next to Palmer Auditorium at the
intersection of Barton Springs Road and First Street.
Other Texas celebrities who have appeared as the guest Mother Ginger
include Lance Armstrong, Robert Rodriguez, Gov. Ann Richards, Luci
Baines Johnson, Molly Ivins, Hollywood Henderson, Sen. Kay Bailey
Hutchison and Michael Dell.
“We are pleased to be able to honor our service members who so gallantly
and selflessly defend and protect America,” Cookie Ruiz, Ballet Austin
executive director, said. “We’re looking forward to Colonel Duke joining
us for this year’s production.”
TICKET INFORMATION
Call (512) 476-2163 or visit www.balletaustin.org
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