Mobile Chamber of Commerce holds annual military appreciation luncheon

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile Chamber of Commerce gathered at Battleship Memorial Park to honor those who serve.

For Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne, this year’s luncheon was personal.

“My son in law is presently commander of a guided missile destroyer that’s just now returning from the strait of Hormuz so it’s a very real thing for me,” Byrne said. “Without people willing to make the sacrifice we don’t get to live the lives that we live, and we don’t take enough time to say thank you.”

Members of every branch of the military filled the room. The luncheon featured a keynote speech from retired Lt. Gen. David Fadok, who had a message for the young cadets in the room.

Retired general offers advice to cadets

“Expect the unexpected because you may go in with certain plans for your career and life may take you in a different direction, seize that, take full advantage of the opportunities your service will provide you,” Fadok said. “Most of all have fun doing what you’re doing.”

Col. Steve Carey was among those honored, receiving the General Gary Cooper Outstanding Service Award for his work leading the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Commission. The award bears the name of Mobile native Maj. Gen. Jerome Gary Cooper, the first African American Marine Corps officer to command an infantry company in combat and the first to reach the rank of major general.

“When I was brand new to the area he took me under his arm,” Carey said. “It’s an honor and simple to say when I can be recognized with an award that wears General Cooper’s name on it it tells me that if I can be half the man General Cooper was, I’m a pretty good guy.”

Carey served more than 30 years in the U.S. Air Force as a fighter pilot, flying F-15 missions including critical air superiority operations during the Gulf War. He later held leadership roles at Air University, helping shape doctrine and leadership development for airmen worldwide.

Other award recipients included:

Hugh M. Casteix AwardMK2 Donovan Clayton, USCG

Machinery Technician Second Class Donovan Clayton was recognized for exceptional leadership and technical expertise supporting multiple large-scale environmental response operations. His work included hazardous material mitigation and aerial reconnaissance missions that enhanced safety and operational decision-making.

Admiral J. Lloyd Abbot AwardCMM Nadia Morales, USN

Machinist Mate Chief Nadia Morales was honored for her leadership as LPD Ship Superintendent, overseeing the successful fueling and aviation readiness operations for LPD 30. Her coordination and risk management ensured safe execution of complex, high-stakes operations.

Air and Space Force Association Teachers of the Year

The Air & Space Force Association recognized four educators for their commitment to aerospace education and student development:

• Jennifer Asberry – Mobile County Elementary (Council Traditional School) 
• Dr. Chelsea Tanous – Mobile County High (Davidson High School) 
• Elizabeth Von Hofe – Baldwin County Elementary (Spanish Fort Elementary) 
• Emily Hudson – Baldwin County High (Spanish Fort High School) 

JROTC cadets recognized

More than dozen students from different Mobile County public schools were recognized as outstanding JROTC cadets.

Angel Chambers from LeFlore High School said the ceremony helped shape how she sees the world.

“To not take anything for granted,” Chambers said. “Just being able to expand and explore and not limit anything you can do in life.”

Carlton Cannon from Vigor High School said the recognition was meaningful.

“Some of these people I’ve been knowing since my 9th grade year when I first joined JROTC so it’s special for me to see some of these people growing up along with me,” Cannon said.

Mobile County JROTC cadets recognized included:

• Baker High School – Cadet Riddick Crow
• Blount High School – Cadet VaShawnte McCants
• Bryant High School – Cadet Trinity Marie Moore
• Chickasaw High School – Cadet Ariel Mayegill
• Citronelle High School – Cadet Jayden Yates
• Davidson High School – Cadet Dominic Bringhurst
• LeFlore High School – Cadet Angel Nicole Chambers
• Mary G. Montgomery High School – Cadet Joseph Smith
• Murphy High School – Cadet Chrislin Seals
• B.C. Rain High School – Cadet Nevaeh Gonsalves
• Saraland High School – Cadet Mason Pinkstaff
• Satsuma High School – Cadet Noah Boyington
• Theodore High School – Cadet Oscar Hill
• Vigor High School – Cadet Carlton Cannon
• Williamson High School – Cadet Zamara Hudson

A missing man table sat at the front of the room, a silent tribute to those who paid the ultimate price while they served.