The month of May has been designated by Congress as National Military Appreciation Month to show recognition and appreciation to those on active duty in all branches of the services, plus retirees, veterans, and of course all of their families. Here in Santa Rosa County we are especially proud of and grateful for the huge contributions the military community makes to our way of life. As National Military Appreciation Month, the month of May is a time when our country can pay tribute to our military forces for their valor and dignity while serving the United States. During this month we celebrate Loyalty Day, VE Day, Military Spouse Day, and Armed Forces Day. Of course, May is also the month in which we observe Memorial Day.

Not a day goes by that I do not think of the courageous men and women serving our nation bravely at home and overseas. Our armed service members serve nobly and selflessly to protect and defend our wonderful country while constantly risking their lives to secure a more peaceful and harmonious future for Americans nationwide. The sacrifices of the members of the armed forces, and of the family members that support them, have preserved the liberties that have enriched this nation.

We in Santa Rosa County are doubly blessed. In no small way, the men and women of the military contribute to the outstanding quality of life and sense of community we enjoy. They volunteer in our schools, as mentors, coaches and tutors. They work for our environment, taking the lead to clean up the Blackwater River and pitching in during the Great American Clean Up last month. They give of their time, money and talents for our non-profit organizations. They are our friends and neighbors. Our community is what it is because of them.

During National Military Appreciation Month (NMAM) your Chamber and fellow chamber members will honor our military in many ways. Soon you will see signs decorating the right-of-ways throughout the county recognizing our military heroes and displaying the NMAM logo. The Chamber will have a limited number of these signs for purchase so that you may display them in you place of business. On May 3rd, Chamber member WXBM 102.7 will kick off Military Appreciation Month by presenting “Country Fest 2008” at Five Flags Speedway. May 9th is the NASWF Command Picnic and Sports Day. Volunteers are already in place to help with a variety of tasks so none of the officers or enlistees will have to work at their own fun day. Finally, our May Last Friday Breakfast will be combined with the May Military Update meeting for a special “Military Appreciation Breakfast to take place aboard NAS Whiting Field on May 30th.

I encourage each of you to be a part of NMAM. There are hundreds of ways you can show your appreciation. Probably the simplest is to shake the hands of those who serve and say, “thank you.” For many great ideas for being involved, I urge you to go to the National Military Appreciation Month web site at www.nmam.org . While there, take a minute to watch the moving video, “Remember Me” which was created by 15 year-old Lizzie Palmer of Ohio.

While I am mindful of this annual celebration of our military, it is important to recognize our military does not serve one day or month a year. We must remember each day the men and women who are defending our Nation, here and around the world, guarding and protecting those freedoms we hold so dear. We must approach not only the holidays during National Military Appreciation Month, but every day, with a sense of pride in our servicemen and women at home in Santa Rosa County and around the world.

Larry Strain
2008 President