Tampa, Fla. – It is a 24-year tradition and going strong. On May 4th, hundreds of active-duty service members and business leaders gathered at The Florida Aquarium for the Tampa Bay Chamber’s annual Military Appreciation Event. Held during National Military Appreciation Month each May, this year’s salute also coincided with the 40th Anniversary of U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida.
Among the event’s unique aspects is that service members in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force attend the event at no cost – along with their family members. Also unique is the evening’s raffle drawing that’s exclusive to active-duty service members in attendance. Prizes are donated by the business community and include coveted sports memorabilia, tickets to local attractions and “staycations” at area hotels and resorts, just to name a few.
“As Chairman of the Board of Directors and as a Retired U.S. Army Officer, it is my greatest honor to welcome you,” said Brian Butler, 2023 Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Standing at the podium overlooking two floors of service members, Butler said “It is an honor and a privilege to stand beside you and say ‘We see you. We appreciate you and we thank you!’ Your leadership and service to our nation make our community a better place to live and work every day.”
“I am so proud to be the president and CEO of an organization that strongly – and authentically – supports our military partners here at home! We are Military Bay, USA!” said Bob Rohrlack. “Service Members from MacDill Air Force Base and our military installations have a 3-Billion-dollar impact on the local economy every single year and their contribution goes beyond money. They are the fuel for growth, innovation and success stories in our region.”
Guest speakers included Colonel Adam Bingham, Commander of the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base, Marcel Blythe, USAA Associate Vice President of Claims Operations and Congresswoman Kathy Castor. Learn more about the Chamber’s year-round commitment to the region’s military community and about Military Bay, USA.