The Wallow
Washington’s Legendary Military Satire – 125 Years in the Making
Saturday | February 6, 2027
6:00 p.m. Reception | 7:30 p.m. Dinner and Program
Omni Shoreham Hotel | 2500 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20008
The Military Order of the Carabao’s Annual Wallow
There are plenty of black-tie military galas in Washington, but there is only one Annual Wallow.
For well over a century, the Military Order of the Carabao has hosted this legendary evening, transforming the Omni Shoreham Hotel into a lively oasis where the nation’s top brass, defense executives, and seasoned veterans come together for a night of unmatched camaraderie. It is the one night of the year where the heavy burdens of leadership are set aside, stars and stripes take a backseat, and the serious business of national defense is traded for a shared, good-natured laugh.
Why You Can’t Miss the Wallow
The Annual Wallow isn’t just a dinner; it’s a living tradition. Attending gives you exclusive access to an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the defense community:
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Unmatched Defense Networking: Dine and connect with an elite, cross-generational gathering of active-duty leaders, joint chiefs, industry CEOs, and military campaign veterans in an environment built on genuine trust and fellowship.
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The Legendary Musical Roast: Experience our famous, live gridiron-style musical satire. Our members perform theatrical, witty roasts of Washington politics, military bureaucracy, and current events, keeping a proud, 125-year-old tradition of military satire alive.
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The Famous Grog Trough: Take part in the Order’s time-honored traditions, from the initial “wetting down” at the reception to the final choruses of our historic camp songs.
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The After-Dinner Cigar Lounge: Wind down the evening in an exclusive, relaxed setting, perfect for catching up with old classmates, swapping sea stories, and forging new professional alliances.
127th Annual Wallow
Master of Ceremonies:
Rear Admiral “Sonny” Masso
With Performances By:
Saturday | February 6, 2027
6:00 p.m. Reception | 7:30 p.m. Dinner and Program
Omni Shoreham Hotel | 2500 Calvert St NW, Washington, DC 20008 (Special Hotel Room Rate)
Attire: Black Tie or Service Equivalent
General Non-Member Ticket
$385.00
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Admission for 1 for dinner service.
- Admission to main cocktail hour.
- Admission to after hours cigar tent.
Herd-Member Ticket
$295.00
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Admission for 1 for dinner service.
- Admission to main cocktail hour.
- Admission to after hours cigar tent.
Donate A Ticket
$285.00
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Admission for 1 for dinner service.
- Admission to main cocktail hour.
- Admission to after hours cigar tent.
- Tickets go to servicemembers who may not be able to afford the full ticket.
Herd-Member & Guest Ticket
$620.00
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Admission for 2 for dinner service.
- Admission to main cocktail hour for 2.
- Admission to after hours cigar tent for 2.
Command Post Table for 10
$4,500.00
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Admission for 10 for dinner service.
- Admission to main cocktail hour for 10.
- Admission to after hours cigar tent for 10.
- 40 oz Tomahawk Steak for table.
$425.00 Add On
For those with an appetite worthy of a field promotion, we offer a 40 oz Tomahawk Steak. Guests may requisition this special cut either for personal rations or to share with the entire unit at the table. Consider it a tactical strike on hunger, executed with ceremonial flair. Order fast while quantities last.
The Omni Hotel
Hotel Reservations
The Omni Shoreham Hotel has extended us the lowest room rate available for the weekend. Don’t rush off after dinner stay and enjoy the hospitality suites, the after‑dinner conversations, and the chance to keep the celebration going. Make Saturday night part of the experience by reserving your room and joining the full weekend of camaraderie and tradition under one roof.
Hotel reservation option is pending availability later in 2026. All reservations for seats prior to that availability will be e-mailed the hotel details once available.
Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTION - What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that things may change. You may cancel your Wallow tickets up to 30 days prior to the Wallow for a full refund. If you find that you are unable to attend less than 30 days before the event, please email MainGuy@Carabao.org and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.
QUESTION - Can I be seated with my friends at the Wallow?
Yes. You may request seating preferences when you purchase your tickets. We will make every effort to seat friends and colleagues together. Please understand that last minute changes or requests may be difficult to accommodate.
QUESTION - Is black tie required?
Yes. Although our event is designed for fun we expect guests to follow the dress code of black tie attire. Military dress uniforms are welcome.
QUESTION - May I wear the Military Order of the Carabao medal with my Army uniform?
Yes. AR 670-1 Section 22-12 specifically authorizes the wear of “… badges of organizations originally composed of members who served in a U.S. force during the… Philippine Insurrection.” The instruction goes on to state, “The badges are worn only while the wearer is actually attending meetings or functions of such organizations, or on occasions of ceremony (as authorized by the commander). Personnel will not wear these badges to and from such meetings or events.” The order of precedence specifies that the medal should be worn after foreign unit awards and before State national guard awards.
QUESTION - May I wear the Military Order of the Carabao medal with my Marine Corp uniform?
Maybe. MCO 1020.34H Section 5103 authorizes the wear of awards and badges from “Military societies of persons who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during various wars, campaigns, or expeditions in which the U.S. has been engaged.”
The instruction goes on to state, “Miscellaneous awards and badges may be worn on the Marine Corps uniform at the holder’s option, unless otherwise ordered, and provided no awards, decorations, badges, or breast insignia are worn at the same time. Medals, ribbons, and badges adopted by these societies may be worn only while actually attending meetings or conventions or while participating in parades or other ceremonies as a member of these organizations.”
QUESTION - May I wear the Military Order of the Carabao medal with my Navy uniform?
Yes. NAVPERS 15665J Article 5311 specifically authorizes the wear as “… other officially recognized Veterans’ Organization Corps and Division of the Civil Spanish American Wars.” Wear of the Carabao medal is only authorized while attending Carabao sponsored or while representing the Military order of the Carabao. The medal is to be worn after all U.S. service awards and marksmanship badges.
QUESTION - May I wear the Military Order of the Carabao medal with my Air Force uniform?
No. Department of the Air Force Guidance Memorandum to DAFI36-2903 does not recognize awards from non-military associations.
QUESTION - May I wear the Military Order of the Carabao medal with my Space Force uniform?
No. Guardians must comply with the overarching Department of the Air Force DAFI 36-2903 in conjunction with the Guardian-specific SPFGM2023-36-01.
QUESTION - May I wear the Military Order of the Carabao medal with my Coast Guard uniform?
No. Coast Guard unforms are governed by Commandant Instruction M1020.6K and Commandant Instruction M1020.6K. Unfortunately, these instructions do not reference any non-military decorations.