Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga. -- A near-capacity crowd of community and business leaders gathered at the Merry Acres Event Center in Albany, Georgia, July 10, to show their appreciation for those who currently serve in the military at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany.
The annual Military Appreciation Rise and Shine Breakfast, hosted by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce's Military Affairs Committee, "Honors the military and recognizes the partnership and impact of MCLB Albany and Marine Corps Logistics Command," said Scott Tomlinson, board chairman.
Col. Alphonso Trimble, commanding officer, MCLB Albany, began his remarks by congratulating the Marines receiving awards and Latreesa Perryman, school liaison officer, MCLB Albany, for her rendition of the national anthem.
“One of the things I’ve noticed after being here for a year now is we have a room full of family. The community is very welcoming and we have become a part of it, which is what the Marines (and Sailors) in this room represent,” Trimble said. “They represent the greatness of the men and women who are forward-deployed around the globe in places like the Horn of Africa, Iran and Syria.
Trimble also noted these service members are still here today taking care of the local community, their fellow Marines and one another.
“You can’t help but to beam with a lot of pride with what they do on a daily basis,” he added. “I often get a lot of accolades for the closeness the base has with the local community, but it’s because of people like (Sgt. Joshua) Robles and (Cpl. Bo) Haymaker. It’s part of their nature to be representatives of the Corps and the community. A lot of people may look at the service as an opportunity to leave home, but I would venture to say these Marines (and Sailors) are home.”
The current Marine and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for both MCLB Albany and LOGCOM were honored by their commands for their exemplary work ethic and leadership.
Sgt. Joshua Robles, training noncommissioned officer, MCLB Albany; Cpl. Heather Williams, administrative clerk, MCLB Albany; Sgt. Roberto Davalos, contract specialist, LOGCOM and Cpl. Bo Haymaker, embarkation noncommissioned officer-in-charge, LOGCOM, each received awards.
Barbara Rivera Holmes, Albany Chamber president and chief executive officer, said the chamber, community and base have retained a strong relationship through the decades to ensure that we’re in lockstep when it comes to supporting this important installation.
“Honored Marines, we are so proud of you and glad we could recognize you this morning. I also want to thank our Sailors, who take care of the Marines and their families, and members of the other tenant commands on base who are present with us today,” Holmes said. “MCLB Albany is a powerhouse for the Marine Corps and Albany. That’s significant for our community and our region.”