2024 Military Appreciation Luncheon

Join us on May 23rd from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Grand Lagoon Yacht Club for our first-ever Military Appreciation Luncheon. This luncheon is a unique opportunity for Chamber Members and Veterans to come together and honor both active duty and retired service members. Attendees will also have an opportunity to hear an inspiring message from Rear Admiral Kyle Cozad (USN) Retired. Copies of his book "Relentless Positivity" will be available for purchase and signing. The event will also recognize veterans in our community. Any proceeds from the luncheon will support the Military Appreciation initiatives of the Perdido Key Area Chamber Foundation. 
 
KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Rear Admiral Kyle Cozad graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1985. Cozad's Navy career centered around aviation training and operations within the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Community serving extensively as an instructor pilot in a variety of operational and training tours around the world. During his career, he commanded at various levels within Naval Aviation and joint multi-service on five different assignments. Ashore, he served in a variety of diverse leadership positions within the Navy and Department of Defense to include serving as the 22nd Senior Director of the White House Situation Room; Commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo Bay, and Commander, Naval Training and Education Command.

Following a service-connected spinal cord injury in 2018, Cozad recovered and returned to full service, completing his final 30-months of active duty as Navy's only wheelchair bound flag officer. During that time, he became an advocate for disability awareness and competed in the 2019 DOD Warrior Games. Prior to his retirement and Cozad was recognized as one of Department of Defense's Top Employees with Disabilities in 2020. After a 35-year career in the Navy, Cozad joined the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation as the President and Chief Executive Officer in October 2020 where he resides today in Pensacola, Florida, affectionately known as the Cradle of Naval Aviation.

Event Photography;  Please be advised that photos or videos may be taken at this event for use on the Chamber website, social media, and/or other promotional materials.  Your attendance at this event gives consent for the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce to use your image and likeness for education, archival, and promotional purposes.

Refund policy;  As a non-profit all funds received from this event directly impact and support the initiatives of the Perdido Key Area Chamber Foundation.  Therefore, we do not issue refunds for cancellations.  We appreciate your understanding.