Nearly 1,000 people attended the Military Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the JAX Chamber today at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. An annual Chamber tradition, the much-anticipated luncheon brings the JAX Region business community together to honor the brave men and women from all branches of the local military community, including active duty, reservists, veterans and their families, who serve our country.

The event’s keynote speaker was Lt. General William M. Faulkner, Deputy commandant for Installations and Logistics for the United States Marine Corps.  The Color Guard from the U.S.M.C. Blount Island Command presented colors, and Navy Band Southeast performed during the event. Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown also spoke, thanking the military for outstanding service to its country and the community.

The Chamber hosts the annual event not only to recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by military personnel but also to honor the military’s presence in the community and its impact on the local and national economy. The military and defense industry serves as the largest employer in the Northeast Florida region, and its activity attracts businesses to the region and to the entire state of Florida.

The regional military installations, which include Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Naval Station Mayport, Marine Corps Blount Island Command, and Florida National Guard Headquarters, provide employment for nearly 46,000 active duty, reserve and civilian men and women. The economic impact of these installations includes $5.7 billion of consumption, $11.7 billion in sales activity and more than 110,700 jobs.

The industry is a significant driver of economic development in the community, as defense communities are attractive to companies looking to expand or relocate. More than 3,000 personnel who leave the military each year choose to remain in the region, providing a stream of employees for local businesses. A Deloitte report released by the Aerospace Industries Association earlier this year found that at least 3.5. million jobs are produced as an indirect or induced result of the influence of the U.S. aerospace and defense industry.

All of us at WhatsUpJacksonville are very proud of our military and appreciate all that they do for the community.