July 16, 2015 -- Members of the local business and military community came together for the annual Military Appreciation Rise and Shine Breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Albany, Georgia, July 15.
This event was organized by the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s Military Affairs Committee to show appreciation for those who serve and have served in the armed forces.
Two Marines from Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany were honored for their service to the community and to the Marine Corps.
Lance Cpl. Ethan Kortie, administrative specialist, received the award for Marine of the Year, and Sgt. Steven McGahee, postal noncommissioned officer, Adjutant’s Office, MCLB Albany, received recognition as Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.
“The relationship of the Marine base to the Albany area is one that is special, unique and collaborative, with the business community in particular,” Tommy Clark, board chairman, AACOC, said. “This dynamic relationship has been ongoing for more than 50 years, and continues to remain strong in large part due to the reciprocal relationship between the military who serve our country and the Chamber’s active Military Affairs Committee.”
Col. James Carroll III, commanding officer, MCLB Albany, echoed those sentiments.
“The strength between the base and the community is what it is because of all of the hard work and dedication the men and women who have come before me have put in,” Carroll said. “They have laid the foundation for me to continue to win to the end. It’s one of my top priorities during my time here.”
McGahee said there is one thing that keeps him motivated — "being a Marine, waking up every day, putting on the uniform and serving my country."