For the first time, the Society of the Third Infantry Division will host the Division Ball at the conclusion of Marne Week festivities for soldiers, their families, veterans and Army civilians on Nov. 18.

The Society, a nonprofit veterans organization, was formed by veterans of World War I in Chicago in 1919 as a fraternal, social, educational, patriotic and military service organization, and is now one of the oldest veterans organizations supporting a specific division of the United States military forces.

Maj. Gen. James Rainey, commanding general of 3rd ID and Fort Stewart, reached out to the Society for assistance and the members closed ranks to support this endeavor.

The society is trying to make the ball affordable for all soldiers by asking businesses, organizations and individuals to sponsor the cause.

All donations are tax-deductible and in-kind recognition will be afforded to businesses that provide it. See the Society website for more information regarding sponsorship categories at: www.society3rdid.org.