Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce hosts annual military appreciation luncheon

Uniformed personnel representing all the military branches attended the lunch, including active duty, reservists, retirees and veterans.

The China-Burma-India Color Guard, a group of veterans from World War II and the Korean War, presented the colors and Chaplain Lt. Col. Steve Thompson, of the Florida Air National Guard gave the invocation, followed by remarks from Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton.

"Jacksonville is a city that values our military citizens," said Peyton, referencing the fact that Jacksonville is one of the few cities in the country that offers a property tax reduction for residents who serve in a combat zone.

Peyton said Jacksonville was a winner in the Base Realignment and Closing Commission process,

Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce hosts annual military appreciation luncheonwith no base closings and the largest net gain in the Navy.

"We will continue to strive to be the most military friendly city in the country," he stated.

A special video presentation aired, with scenes of homecomings and pictures our troops serving aboard ships and in the Middle East. Retired chief petty officer Harold Lawrence brought his son, Brian, and said it was great to see the community coming out to honor our military. "It's great to see such a big turnout of people for an occasion like this. I know the troops, and especially the families, appreciate it."

K.C. McCarthy, Greater Jacksonville USO executive director, spoke about the different ways the USO supports military people and their families in the Jacksonville area, including the Sailor's Aweigh program for families of deployed military members that allows them to come to Jacksonville Jaguars games for free. ''It's an honor to support and provide a home away from home to our military who put country before self. To all the men and women in the military, we offer a special heartfelt 'thanks' for keeping us safe 24/7,'' she said.

Keynote speaker Rear Adm. Michael Vitale, Commander, Navy Region Southeast, spoke about the Navy's new Maritime Strategy, which was introduced by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead last month. "The last maritime strategy was developed 25 years ago, and this is the first time in our country's history that all three sea services have signed and agreed to a maritime strategy," said Vitale. He said the strategy emphasizes "domain awareness," maritime security and humanitarian assistance.

He went on to thank the council chamber membership for hosting the luncheon, and took the opportunity to remind local employers of the benefits of hiring former Navy veterans.

"Our retiree base continues to be strong, with a lot of folks choosing to call Jacksonville home after a career in the Navy. And whether they leave the Navy after one tour, or retire after 20 years, Sailors are the type of people you want working for you," he said. "They have the leadership skills and work ethic employers are looking for in the market today."

HN Ryan Greene attended the lunch with others from his command.

"People have come up to me and said thank you, and I think it's nice to know that people care about the work we are doing," he said.