A week of recognizing the service and sacrifice of the U.S. military began in Jacksonville on Monday with the 10th Annual JAX Chamber Military Appreciation Luncheon at the Osborn Center.
About 1,000 people attended the event with a majority of those in attendance active or retired military personnel. Mayor Alvin Brown talked about his administration’s efforts to persuade those retiring from the military to make Jacksonville their home.
“We want to make Jacksonville the most military friendly city in the country. We are working to make sure that after you serve your country with distinction you can find a job to support your family here in Jacksonville,” said Brown.
The City’s Veteran’s Job Fair is from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday at the Osborn Center.
Lt. Gen. William Faulkner, deputy commander for installations and logistics for the U.S. Marine Corps, was the event’s keynote speaker during a time when many within the business community are advocating for Northeast Florida to become a logistics industry leader.
“I don’t know of any metrics to determine the most military-friendly city in the country, but cities around the country should pay attention to Jacksonville and take copious notes,” said Faulkner.
VyStar Credit Union was the presenting sponsor and Michael Cascone, founder and secretary of the board of VyStar Credit Union, led the crowd in the pledge of allegiance.
Tom Van Berkel, 2012 chamber chair, talked about how the business community appreciated the military presence in the area and the need for such an event.
“As was talked about today, we are the final destination for a lot of retiring military personnel and we need to continue to show our appreciation for the military,” said Van Berkel.
The City’s “Week of Valor” events continue Wednesday with the Veterans’ Summit from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the University of North Florida Adam W. Herbert University Center. The summit will bring together the City Military Affairs, Veterans and Disabled Services Department and Military & Veterans Resource Center to discuss issues and challenges facing military veterans and their families.
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