Since 1970, the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has organized Celebrate America's Military (also known as CAM) as an annual tribute to our military. This year’s celebration spanned 3 weeks featuring more than three dozen events in collaboration with community partners making it the largest event of its kind nationwide. From November 1st through November 18th, Alamo residents were able to join many events from breakfasts and lunches, to parades, festivals, and ceremonies – all designed to thank the military service men and women who live and work in Military City, USA. CAM 2023 was chaired by Richard Delgado, Jr (Boeing) and included committee members from both the military and Chamber business members.
CAM events honor the men and women who serve in our Nation's Military - Active, Guard, and Reserve from all branches. There are ample opportunities to connect Veterans, Families, and Business and Civic Leaders with our currently serving men and women in uniform to celebrate and recognize them for their service to a grateful nation. The Greater San Antonio Chamber is proud to have hosted three signature events. This year’s kick-off event was the inspiring and patriotic Spirit of America Dinner held at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, which hosted 500 guests from decorated WWII and Vietnam Veterans, alongside military members of all ranks and branches of service. The keynote speaker was Michael “Rod” Rodriguez, President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation, Army Green Beret, and Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran, who spoke of the love exemplified by all those who serve, and the honor represented by their sacrifices.
The Chamber was also honored to present its annual Women in the Military Breakfast where guests heard from three of Joint Base San Antonio’s female military leaders:
- Colonel Lauren Courchaine, Commander, 37th Training Wing
- Command Master Chief (CMC) Veronica Brittenum, Command Master Chief, Naval Medical Forces Support Command
- Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Nicole T. Reddick, Command Sergeant Major, 502d Force Support Group
Attendees heard firsthand from the panelists about the role of women who serve in the military, their achievements, their reasoning for joining the military, and the challenges of staying in uniform. The event highlights the importance of recruiting women in the military and celebrating their unique successes and contributions to our nation’s finest fighting forces.
The Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) Reception, hosted at Devil’s River Whiskey, was held to honor the SNCOs based in Military City, USA. This annual CAM event was a huge success with over 150 guests including SNCOs from all branches of service in a fun and festive atmosphere.
CAM 2024 will begin planning in March of 2024 and kick-off support at the Great Texas Airshow at JBSA-Randolph the weekend of April 6-8, 2024. For questions on how to participate or host an event, please email Lori Stinson, Vice President of Military Affairs and Leadership Development at the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce at lstinson@glass-ink.com.