12th Annual Military Appreciation Breakfast and Announcement of Community Support Award Recipients

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut will host the 12th Annual Military Appreciation Breakfast at Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa on May 5, 2023.  The breakfast serves over 130 active-duty military servicepeople between branches of the Navy, Coast Guard, and National Guard, through the support of the program’s Presenting Sponsor General Dynamics Electric Boat and additional business supporters. 
 
In addition to honoring the local military community, awards are presented to local businesses that exemplified well rounded support and services for the military community. Nominations were publicly submitted, with winners selected by the all-volunteer Military Affairs Council.
 
Navy Federal, the small business winner for the Community Support Award, consistently demonstrates care, commitment, and dedication to military members serving in eastern Connecticut. 
 

• They are partners with Fleet and Family, Navy Marine Corp Relief Society (NMCRS), Ombudsman and Family Readiness Groups,  Groton Youth Center, Eastern CT Association of Realtors Community Benefit Group, New London Veterans Affairs, and the CT National Guard.  Through these partnerships the credit union donated funds, volunteered, raised awareness, and provided a variety of support through these partner events and initiatives. 

 

• They participate in the Maritime Heritage Festival and Mystic Arts Festival, they participate in local food drives, they act as a donation center collecting holiday gifts for the annual Marine Toys for Tots fund drive, they volunteer with Kitty Harbor, a no kill shelter for
• cats and Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut.

 

• Navy Federal Credit Union donated $10,000 to the Groton Sail Foundation who is dedicated to the men and woman who design and operate submarines and the families and communities who support them

 

• Navy Federal Credit Union continues to team up with the New London Veterans Affairs to plan and facilitate an annual Military Appreciation Day at Ocean Beach (M.A.D). Incorporated into the most recent M.A.D event, Navy Federal spearheaded the first annual Military Appreciation Day 5K race at Ocean Beach with intent to raise funds that would have a direct impact on the local military community.

 
Pfizer is the large business winner for the Military Community Support Award.  Their impact in the community was much to be admired. 
 

• Pfizer Connecticut has hosted a Bike Build with the USO for many years. In 2022 the USO could no longer support this event so local Connecticut Pfizer colleagues decided to execute the event
• directly with all three local military installations.

 

• The VA Center for Development & Civic Engagement (CDCE) offices at VA medical centers were sent letters and cards for Veterans during the holidays by the Pfizer colleagues at the Groton CT Site.

 

• Every year “Connecticut Veterans in Pfizer” team organizes a toy drive to benefit local families in need in our community. In the past years, donations have benefited the Marines Toys for Tots Foundation.

 

• Pfizer awarded $2,500 to Work for Vessels for Vets for the purchase of refurbished and new laptops for injured veterans who are completing career certifications or online college courses.

 

• Pfizer helps to support the Removing Legal Barriers program. This program provides free legal representation statewide to indigent veterans and their families. 

 

• The local Veterans in the Pfizer Connecticut chapter has been extremely engaged with local Connecticut military units and veteran non-profit organizations to provide support, mentorship, and education. They are also extremely engaged at the national level bringing veteran visibility to the approximately 79,000 Pfizer colleagues globally.

 
The public is invited to attend the 12th Annual Military Appreciation Breakfast taking place May 5 at Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa.  Admission is $28 for Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT member businesses and their employees, $38 for non-members. Admission for veterans or retired military personnel is $15. Learn more and RSVP online at www.ChamberECT.com or call the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT office at (860) 701-9113 to reserve your spot.
 
Previous recipients of the Military Community Support Award include: Dime Bank 2022, UCFS Healthcare 2022, Antonino Auto Group 2019, Cardinal Honda 2019, Antonino Acura of Groton 2018, Comcast Western New England 2018. 
 
About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a collaborative of business and community leaders dedicated to securing and enhancing the economic vitality of eastern Connecticut. The Chamber works to create value for its members and the region by providing forums for business networking, leadership and discussions of issues that affect the region; providing opportunities for members to showcase their products, services and accomplishments; helping small businesses succeed through educational programs; and working to reduce the costs of doing business in Connecticut.  For more information, visit ChamberECT.com.