Clay County Honors Military Members

[CFHSNJROTC]

Clay County Honors Military Members
Story Number: NNS060524-08
Release Date: 5/24/2006 12:30:00 PM

By Journalist 1st Class Mike England, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- More than 250 people took part in the Clay County Chamber of Commerce’s 28th annual Military Appreciation Luncheon at the Cypress Club and Ballroom May 16.

The event is organized each year by area businesses and residents of Clay County to celebrate the contributions service members make to the local community.

Clay County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board of Directors Bob Krieger said that the military is a central part of the county.

“The contributions of the military to Clay County and our country can’t be overstated,” Krieger said. “Service members have a positive impact on the local economy and are an important part of our community.”

The luncheon kicked off with the presentation of the colors by the Ridgeview High School NJROTC Color Guard, followed by the invocation and a presentation to remember service members who are or were prisoners of war or missing in action.

As guests finished their meals, guest speaker Capt. Matthew Schellhorn, currently serving as chief of staff for Commander, Navy Region Southeast, gave a speech that praised the military honorees for their pride and commitment.

“Today’s award recipients are making a difference in their services and communities,” he said. “While each of you are from different backgrounds, the one thing you all have in common is that you represent your country with pride.”

After Schellhorn concluded his remarks, 38 Sailors from Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville and its tenant commands, as well as Soldiers, Marines and Airmen 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.

NAS Jacksonville Sailor of the Year, Ship's Serviceman 1st Class (SW/AW) Derrek Robinson, leading petty officer of the Bachelor Enlisted Quarters, thought the event was great for both the Navy and the community.

“I’m honored and privledged to be part of such a special day,” Robinson stated. “Events like these go a long way toward building strong relations between the military and the community.”

After the awards were passed out, all of the awardees stood together on stage and received a standing ovation from the audience.

NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson thought the chamber of commerce did a great job of recognizing the accomplishments of Northeast Florida’s premier service members.

“The Clay County Chamber of Commerce really went all out in recognizing the efforts of our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airmen," he said. "I really appreciate the gratitude they displayed here today.”