Chamber’s Signature Military Breakfast Marks 14 Years of Honoring Service

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is proud to announce the honorees for its 14th Annual Military Appreciation Breakfast, taking place on Monday, September 30, at Port ‘N Starboard in New London. As a cornerstone event for the region, this breakfast brings together community partners, leaders, and service members to recognize exceptional military men and women and the dedicated businesses who support their mission.  

This year’s Service Person of the Year is ND1 (DWS/EXW) John J. Ahnen III, a Navy Diver and Research Specialist at the Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory (NSMRL). Named NSMRL’s 2024 Senior Sailor of the Year, ND1 Ahnen is recognized for his critical contributions to diver safety, particularly through recompression chamber testing and operational research. Beyond his technical work, he serves as a STEM mentor in local schools, volunteers with Scouts of America, supports Groton’s Earth Day cleanup efforts, and is a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocate at Submarine Base New London. His service and leadership reflect the highest standards of the United States Navy and community engagement.

General Dynamics Electric Boat will receive the Chamber’s newly coined Patriotic Business Award – Large Business Category (formerly known as the Military Community Support Award). Electric Boat plays a key role in supporting veterans, transitioning service members, and military families to eastern CT through various ways; the company partners with the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, maintains a dedicated military liaison in their human resources department, and provides differential pay for reservists on active duty. Its Electric Boat Veterans Network, volunteer initiatives, and continued philanthropy toward military-serving organizations also demonstrate a deep, lasting commitment to those who serve.

Filomena’s Restaurant & Private Dining will be recognized with the Patriotic Business Award – Small Business Category for its long-standing support of the military community. Filomena’s hosts regular military appreciation events, including Service Person of the Month celebrations with the Chamber’s Military Affairs Council and local Rotaries, as well as monthly Veterans Coffeehouses with the Town of Waterford. The restaurant also sponsors events like the Sub Vets’ Thanksgiving dinners and local parades, fostering a welcoming, supportive environment for military families. Their generosity and community spirit continue to make a meaningful impact in southeastern Connecticut.

The Military Appreciation Breakfast is one of the Chamber’s most meaningful annual traditions, celebrating the enduring bond between the region’s business and military communities. The Chamber gratefully acknowledges General Dynamics Electric Boat for its engagement as the program’s Presenting Sponsor, and Star & Stripes Sponsor, Wonderlosity, whose generous support helps make the Military Appreciation Breakfast a success; their partnership enables complimentary invitations to a number of active-duty service members and provides heartfelt recognition to those who serve. To learn how your organization can support this special event through sponsorship opportunities or registration, please visit info.ChamberECT.com/events.

Discounted tickets are also available for military spouses and veterans/retired personnel.

Last year’s honorees can be found on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut: 
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is dedicated to advancing a vibrant, sustainable business community. Through thoughtful advocacy, innovative programming, and strategic collaboration, we meet the needs of our members while shaping the region’s future. Explore more about our vision and programming by visiting ChamberECT.com.