by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Each year, the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts a gathering to recognize the many contributions of the military community to the City. This year’s event was a luncheon at the Hyatt on Thursday, where veterans from all branches of the armed forces were honored.
Additionally, one City employee and veteran who is about to make a career change was honored.
After asking attending veterans from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, the Cold War, Desert Storm and the ongoing global war on terrorism to stand and be recognized, Chamber chair Ron Autrey gave them much praise.
“These people are the reason we in America are able to enjoy freedom not found anywhere else in the world,” he said.
Autrey also detailed the tremendous impact the military has on the North Florida Community in terms of the economy and community.
“The military accounts for more than $7 billion a year in economic impact. More than 45,000 of our residents are active duty, reserve or retired, which is more than any other local employer,” he said. “The military is the core of our community.”
Mayor John Peyton also saluted the contributions the armed forces have made to Jacksonville.
“The military makes Jacksonville as close to recession-proof as a community can be,” said Peyton.
Keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Douglas Burnett, Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard, recalled his 46 years of service in the U.S. Air Force and National Guard. He said being a member of the armed forces has changed entirely since the day he joined.
“The National Guard is not about having a part-time job anymore. Active duty is not about the benefits anymore,” said Burnett. “Serving our nation is truly an issue of the heart. It’s a calling.”
One veteran in particular was honored for his service to Jacksonville that began after he retired from the U.S. Navy.
Dan McCarthy, chief of the City’s Military, Veterans and Disabled Services Division, said the luncheon would be his last official appearance in the role because he will soon join the State Attorney’s Office.
Peyton surprised McCarthy by presenting him with the inaugural “Dan McCarthy Military Service Award” in recognition of his efforts on behalf of active duty and retired military personnel and all veterans.
Peyton cited McCarthy’s contributions to resurrecting the City’s Veterans Day Parade and helping secure the new Veterans Memorial Cemetery and a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier for Mayport.
During the celebration, McCarthy also received the Florida National Guard’s Commendation Medal, presented by Burnett.
State Attorney-elect Angela Corey asked McCarthy to serve as her chief assistant, which presented the Naval Academy and Duke Law School graduate with an opportunity for another career change.
McCarthy said when he was pondering the decision concerning the new post, he went to the mayor and expressed his hesitancy about leaving the City’s service. Peyton encouraged him to join the foray to rid Jacksonville of crime and McCarthy took the advice.
“So I enlisted,” he said.
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