Mobile Chamber Recognizes Retired, Current & Future Military Leaders During the 36th Annual Military Appreciation Lunch

The Mobile Chamber and its Military Affairs Committee honored retired, current and future military leaders during its 36^th Annual Military Appreciation Lunch held at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. The presenting sponsor was Atlas Industrial Outsourcing.

“It’s an honor to recognize the servicemen and women who are making a difference here and abroad,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. “We also want to recognize the young cadets who will one day become the next generation contributing to Mobile’s rich military history.”

The program paid tribute to the impact military personnel have on the local business community and included several awards for each branch of the military and recognized outstanding ROTC and JROTC cadets.

Gen. Gary Cooper Outstanding Service Award

Dr. Jeremy Fletcher, Veterans Recovery Resources

The General Gary Cooper Outstanding Service Award is given to a current or former military service member who inspires others by living out the values we see in Major General Cooper including achievement, courage, excellence and humility. The 2023 General Gary Cooper Outstanding Service Award recipient is Dr. Jeremy Fletcher. He is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve and a Veteran of the War in Afghanistan. He is the director of community integration for Veterans Recovery Resources, a Mobile, Alabama-based non-profit mental and physical health clinic. Within his role at VRR, he leads the development of innovative community-based mental health programming for veterans, first responders, and their families.

U.S. Navy League Hugh M. Casteix Award

BM1 Ryan Owen, USCG

The Mobile Council of the U.S. Navy League is proud to recognize local active-duty members of the Sea Services for their outstanding accomplishments in the performances of their duties.

The Hugh M. Casteix Winner is BM1 Ryan Owen, USCG. Petty Officer Owen is currently assigned to the deck division at the Gulf Strike Team (GST) in Mobile, Alabama. He is a qualified National Strike Force (NSF) response member, coxswain, flood responder, flood response coxswain and flood response team leader. His collateral duties include serving as a confined space rescue team member, aircraft load planner, UGV operator and command duty officer.

RADM J. Lloyd Abbot Award

ET2 Ryan Reid, USN

Electronics Technician Ryan Reid is a native of Navarre, Florida, and is currently stationed aboard LCS Crew 233 Blue, the commissioning crew of the future USS Augusta (LCS 34).

He is a Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Winner for his efforts for the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions onboard Naval Station Great Lakes.

University of South Alabama Army ROTC Cadet of the Year: Cadet Anna Lane

The University of South Alabama Army ROTC Cadet of the Year Award recognizes a cadet who has shown exemplary leadership skills throughout the year and is a model cadet. The 2023 winner is Cadet Anna Lane.

Air Force Association STEM Teachers of the Year

The Air Force Association recognizes teachers who have made remarkable contributions to educating our children – especially in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or “STEM”.

Middle School: Alesha Spencer, Denton Magnet School of Technology

Alesha Spencer coaches the Denton robotics team. The teams are this year’s State Champions and state runners-up. Their robotics team will go on to compete at the World’s Vex Robotics competition in Dallas, Texas. Spencer has also been recognized as Teacher of the Year for 2023 at Denton Magnet School of Technology.

High School: Michael Fletcher, Davidson High School

Michael Fletcher is the robotics coach for the past 19 years at Davidson High School. Under his leadership, the Davidson team has won locally and regionally more times than any other team in the history of the BEST Robotics Competition. Their team has taken first place for the past two years.

University of South Alabama Air Force ROTC

The following University of South Alabama Air Force ROTC Cadets were also recognized:

Cadet Keanan Ard

Cadet Melanie Watson

Cadet Codi Clemmons

Cadet Micah Hurst

Cadet McKenna Murphy

Cadet Julia Pizzo

Cadet Daniel Irani

Cadet Joshua Vegeler

Cadet Micah Baughman

Cadet Gabriel Bohler

Cadet Connor Gavitt

Mobile County Public School System Junior ROTC Cadet Awards

The following Junior ROTC Cadets were also recognized from each of their schools:

C/MSG Jadon Martin, Baker High School

C/1LT Kaleah Holcombe, Blount High School

C/CSM Dennis W. Zirlott, Bryant High School

C/CSM Abbie Roberts, Citronelle High School

C/LCDR Vincent Vasquez, Davidson High School (Navy)

C/LTC Randy Stewart, LeFlore High School

C/2LT Alyssa Christian, Mary G. Montgomery High School

C/LTC Timberly Gibbs, Murphy High School

C/CSM Marla Williams, B.C. Rain High School

C/LTC Alexis M. Crocker, Theodore High School

C/COL Nia Inge-Duncan, Vigor High School

C/CPT Brittany White, Williamson High School

C/MAJ Joshua Herbert, Chickasaw High School

C/MAJ Anna Johnson, Satsuma High School

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