Clay County honors military members

"We are here today to honor Sailors, Soldiers and Marines of the Year from NAS Jax, Camp Blanding and Blount Island," said Greg Voss, director of membership and business development for Clay County Chamber of Commerce. "We hold this event each year because of the importance of the military to Clay County for a lot of different reasons. Clay County in terms of the economy is very reliant on the military in terms of capital investment and we have so many military residents in Clay County."

The luncheon, held at the Holiday Inn on Highway 17, kicked off with the presentation of the colors by Ridgeview High School NJROTC Color Guard as AEC Josh Leach of VP-30 sang the national anthem. It was followed by the invocation and a presentation to remember service members who are or were prisoners of war or missing in action.

As guest finished their meals, guest speaker Col. Richard Gallant, deputy commander, 53rd Brigade Combat Team took the podium to talk about some of the issues regarding the War in Iraq, Afghanistan, reconstruction efforts and progress we've made.

"Our Soldiers, Sailors and Marines are doing tremendous work. These are the heroes we need to support. I think in 100 years, history will look back and say that the United States of America has assembled the most powerful, efficient military force in history. We can accomplish anything. The local communities need to get together and continue to support what these great Americans are doing," said Gallant.

He concluded by adding, "And a special 'thank you' to the Clay County Chamber of Commerce for hosting this tremendous event and for what you do for our service members here. Congratulations to all the military recipients here today, this is a great honor and I know that you've earned it by stepping above and beyond what you're supposed to be doing."

Commander, Navy Region Southeast and NAS Jax Sailor of the Year TM1(SW/AW) Jaime Quinones graciously accepts a plaque and goodie bag from Greg Moorehead, chair-elect, Clay County Chamber of Commerce, as Ted Hewitt, chairman of the board, VyStar Credit Union, looks on during the Clay County Chamber of Commerce Military Appreciation Luncheon May 16.

After Gallant concluded his remarks, 23 Sailors from NAS Jacksonville and its tenant commands as well as Soldiers and Marines from Camp Blanding Joint Training Center and Blount Island Command were called up one by one to receive a plaque for their outstanding service and a $50 Savings Bond donated by Clay County area businesses.

As the military members gratefully accepted their awards from Ted Hewitt, chairman of the board, VyStar Credit Union, and Greg Moorehead, chair-elect, Clay County Chamber of Commerce, they stood proudly as a group for a standing ovation.

''It's honor to be here because we're being recognized out of so many hard working people at NAS Jax. For Clay County to recognize the military by putting on this event, is just great,'' said Commander, Navy Region Southeast and NAS Jax Sailor of the Year TM1(SW/AW) Jaime Quinones.