The Chamber hosted its 19^th Annual Virginia Beach Armed Forces Awards Luncheon on July 18 at the Shifting Sands Club on Dam Neck Annex in Virginia Beach.  This awards luncheon extended recognition from the business community to nearly 100 outstanding military personnel stationed at commands in Virginia Beach, including Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEB), Naval Air Station Oceana (NAS Oceana), and Dam Neck Annex.  This annual event is held to honor the hardworking men and women of the military.  During the program, Captain Robert Geis, USN, Commanding Officer, NAS Oceana, and Virginia Beach Mayor William D. Sessoms provided remarks.

Captain Geis expressed his pride in the honorees and explained that he admired their accomplishments and ability to work together as a team. “We are all part of a time honored team,” he said.  “Thank you for being great teammates.”

Mayor Sessoms was honored to be a part of the luncheon and thanked the honorees for their service.  “I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices you and your families make every day,” said the Mayor.  “Keep up the good work and know how proud of you we are.”

The Chamber hosts this awards luncheon annually because military personnel are such an important part of our region. This is one of many events hosted by the Chamber to show local support for men and women of the armed forces stationed in the area. 

In addition to being recognized for their outstanding accomplishments, service members were also entered into a drawing for several prizes, including a 32 inch TV donated by USA Discounters.  AM1, John Caldwell, was the lucky winner of the new TV. 

Many thanks to sponsors: USA Discounters (Presenting & Challenge Coin); GEICO (Gold Military Program Partner); Pioneer Services (Silver Military Program Partner); Bank of America, First Command Financial Planning, Regent University and Saint Leo University-South Hampton Roads Center (Bronze Military Program Partners); Hampton Roads Military & Federal Facilities Alliance (Special Military Envoy Partner); Damuth Trane; Deloitte Consulting LLP; ECPI College of Technology; Holiday Inn Virginia Beach-Norfolk Hotel & Conference Center; Military Newspapers of Virginia; Old Dominion Univsersity and USAA (Table Sponsors).

View more photos.