When the Special Operations Forces Week was held in Tampa on May 6 - 10, 2024, Chamber Member company United One Communications was in the thick of it. The conference attracted 17,000+ attendees and 700 exhibitors to the Tampa Convention Center for the annual gathering of the international SOF community. Carl Chaisson, President & CEO of United One Communications in the Tampa Bay Chamber's Minority Business Accelerator was among them. Chaisson is no stranger to the military. Long before joining the Chamber's MBA Cohort '24 as a business owner, he spent nearly two decades as a defense contractor throughout Southwest Asia. Chaisson's contractor deployments included Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Jordan and Qatar. Engineering tactical and strategic solutions for the Department of Defense was, and remains, among his specialties. His academic credentials include degrees in Computer Information Systems, and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance.
We thank him for sharing his experience during the 4-day gathering that attracted everyday heroes from around the globe. Read below:
SOF Week 2024: Honoring Excellence, Camaraderie, and Service
Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week 2024 was an unparalleled experience. It commemorated the dedication, valor, and sacrifice of the elite warriors who serve in the world's most elite military units. It was a week-long tribute to the extraordinary men and women who embody the ethos of courage, resilience, and selflessness in the face of adversity.
Day 1: Opening Ceremony and Remembrance - The week commenced with a solemn yet powerful opening ceremony, where service members, veterans, and their families gathered to pay tribute to fallen comrades and honor the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. With poignant speeches, wreath-laying ceremonies, and moments of silence, the event served as a poignant reminder of the price of freedom and the unwavering commitment of SOF personnel to defend it.
Day 2-3: Training Demonstrations and Skills Showcases - Throughout the week, SOF units showcased their unparalleled expertise and capabilities through training demonstrations and skills showcases. From precision marksmanship to tactical maneuvers, these displays offered a rare glimpse into the rigorous training and unparalleled skillset of special operations forces. Attendees had the opportunity to witness firsthand the innovation, versatility, and adaptability that define SOF units as they demonstrated their ability to operate in diverse and challenging environments with unparalleled precision and effectiveness.
Day 4: Symposiums and Professional Development - As part of SOF Week, symposiums and professional development sessions were conducted to facilitate knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking among SOF personnel and industry partners. From strategic insights to technological advancements, these sessions fostered innovation, enhanced readiness, and addressed emerging challenges facing special operations forces. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in discussions with subject matter experts, share best practices, and gain invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of modern warfare. It was a testament to the commitment of SOF personnel to continuously learn, adapt, and excel in their mission to safeguard national security and protect the freedoms we hold dear.
Day 5: Awards Ceremony and Celebration - The culmination of SOF Week was marked by an unforgettable awards ceremony, where exceptional individuals and units were recognized for their exemplary service, valor, and dedication to the SOF community. From Bronze Stars to Purple Hearts, each award was a testament to the selfless sacrifices and extraordinary achievements of SOF personnel in the line of duty. As the evening ended, attendees gathered for a celebratory banquet, where camaraderie and esprit de corps were celebrated in true SOF fashion. It was a time to reflect on the bonds forged in adversity, the challenges overcome, and the victories achieved, reaffirming the timeless values of honor, courage, and commitment that define the special operations community.
SOF Week proclamation by City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor.
Conclusion: A Tribute to Excellence and Sacrifice
Special Operations Forces Week 2024 commemorated the past, celebrated the present, and committed to the future. It was a testament to the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice of special operations forces worldwide. Their courage and commitment continue to inspire and uphold the highest ideals of service to the nation and humanity.
Written by Carl Chaisson of MBA Cohort '24
