Sun shines on MAC’s ‘Down East Military Fun Day’
The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee presented its annual “Down East Military Fun Day” October 9 under sunny weather on Harkers Island and at Cape Lookout National Seashore.
“By all accounts it was a very successful event,” said MAC Chair David Heath of the Town of Newport. “Our objective is always to show our military friends how much we appreciate their service to our country and our communities.”
More than 100 active duty military personnel and their spouses/dates participated. Most came from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, but the Coast Guard was represented as well.
Check out the article that appeared in Sunday’s edition of the Carteret County News-Times.
Opening ceremonies included welcoming remarks by Pat Kenney, Superintendent of Cape Lookout National Seashore (and a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors). MAC member Darleen Jones of the MCAS Cherry Point Community Plans and Liaison Office sang the National Anthem.
Heath gave special thanks to Island Express Ferry Service for transporting the attendees over to Cape Lookout National Seashore, so they could climb the Lighthouse and enjoy time on the beach during the morning. The National Park Service rangers and staff were generous hosts as well.
“The staff at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum & Heritage Center graciously allowed us to use the facility in the afternoon for the pork chop luncheon, prepared by Smithfield’s Hog Production (formerly known as Murphy-Brown, LLC), with side dishes provided by White Swan Express of Atlantic Beach and MAC member Randy Hingson,” Heath added.
“We truly appreciate the many local businesses, organizations and individuals who contributed door prizes for this event, enabling each attendee to receive at least one special gift.”
Other MAC members who volunteered on site included: Becky Brown; Bob Upchurch of Bob Upchurch Appraisals; Cathy Adair of Island Express Ferry Service; Johnnie Rich; Kelly Dippold of MCAS 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing; Ken & Pat Woodlin; and Lori Matta of Albemarle Bank & Trust and her husband, Chad Matta. Heavily involved in the pre-planning stage were Ed & Gladys Suessle of Suessle Health and Wealth.
The overall coordinator for the event was Susan McNamara, who is the Chamber staff liaison to the MAC.
