The Coronado Chamber of Commerce proudly presents
The Annual Salute to the Military Ball
The Coronado Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Salute to the Military Ball, an annual black tie event, at the Hotel del Coronado on March 27, 2010.
Congressman Duncan D. Hunter (R-CA) and House Armed Services Committee, our guest speaker, spoke about honoring our military men and women:
“We owe our men and women in uniform a debt of gratitude for their service. In just the last decade, during combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, they have faced extraordinary circumstances but continue to prevail against a dangerous enemy. We have won in Iraq because our military, behind the skill and professionalism of those who fill its ranks, never lost sight of the importance of achieving mission success. Now, we must take the lessons learned in Iraq and carry them with us to Afghanistan, where our Marines and soldiers are fighting America’s enemies so we don’t have to fight them here.
Our responsibility in Congress is to ensure they have the resources to be effective and return home safely. This requires that we dedicate the necessary funding — one of my top priorities — to provide resources for today while also developing the technology of the future.”
As he reminded us, we are so fortunate to be able to “sleep safely in our beds each night” because of these dedicated men and women. Not only do they insure America's freedom, but they also give to our community the effort necessary for everyone to enjoy a superior quality of life.
One of the most important highlights of the evening was the presentation of our annual recognition awards — the Harry T. Jenkins Memorial Award and the VADM James & Sybil Stockdale Community Service Award. The service member who wins the Harry T. Jenkins Memorial Award demonstrates the principles of courage, sacrifice, discipline, and faith exemplified by Harry Jenkins, Naval aviator and Vietnam POW. The VADM James & Sybil Stockdale Award is presented annually to the military couple who best exemplifies the selfless service and dedication to the community, the military, and the Country demonstrated by VADM James & Sybil Stockdale.
This year's Stockdale Award recipients are AMC Steve Flemens and his wife Amber. They received this distinct award because of their proactive involvement and unsurpassed commitment to military families and residents in their local community. Chief Flemens and his wife Amber stood out from the other nominees because of their sustained and continuing level of community service, dedication to the United States Navy and dedication to their country.
This year's Jenkins Award recipient is AE2 John Pasley, a Navy Sailor, dedicated both personally and professionally to the Navy's core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Universally admired by all in his command, he was totally devoted to duty and deeply committed to the surrounding community, whether at home or serving abroad, consistently displaying unrivaled technical expertise and leadership in the military community.
In Honoring Those Who Serve - Past & Present, the Chamber’s distinguished guests of honor included a number of San Diego County POWs, Mrs. Sybil Stockdale, members of the Jenkins family, and Wounded Warriors from Navy Medical Center, San Diego. A special thank you was presented to VADM Ed Martin, USN (Ret) for his countless years of participation in the Coronado Chamber Salute to the Military Ball Committee.
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