Albany Area Chamber celebrates Marines, base
Special Photo: Albany Area Chamber
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ALBANY – The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the partnership between Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany and the Albany Area community last week during the chamber’s Military Affairs Rise N Shine breakfast, hosted at the Exchange Club of Albany. The annual event introduces key Marine Corps leadership to the community, fosters understanding of MCLB-Albany’s functions and impact, and strengthens the bonds between the military community and the community at large.
“Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany is a powerhouse – for Albany, for the U.S. Marine Corps and for our national defense,” Jeretha Peters, the 2024 chair of the Albany Area Chamber and Wells Fargo branch manager. “The base’s annual economic impact of $1.5 billion underscores its importance to our community.”
A “State of the Base” panel, moderated by Albany Area Chamber President and CEO Bárbara Rivera Holmes, provided insight into the increasingly important role and impact of MCLB-Albany and its major tenant, Headquarters Marine Corps Logistics Command (Logcom), on the Corps’ global logistics efforts and the national defense strategy. Local-borne innovations including 5G-enabled smart warehousing, digital twins, energy security and advanced manufacturing are creating a competitive edge in today’s contested environment, Marine leaders said.
The panel included Maj. Gen. Keith Reventlow, commanding general of Marine Corps Logistics Command; Col. Matthew McKinney, commanding officer of Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany; Col. Kirk Spangenberg, commander of Marine Depot Maintenance Command at Logcom; Col. Sharon Dubow, commander of Marine Force Storage Command at Logcom; HMC Ana Benitez from Naval Branch Health Clinic Albany; and Andra Reventlow, military spouse champion and senior advisor to the Military Community Club of Albany.
The discussion also highlighted the important role of military spouses and families in supporting the nation’s warfighters, the challenges they often face settling into new communities and ways in which Albany, a Military Community of Excellence, can strengthen its support of them.
The event concluded with the recognition of outstanding Marines and Sailors for their exemplary service and leadership: Cpl. Yaresly Alvarado, Cpl. Brian Rosas, Cpl. Kori Robinson, Lance Cpl. Morris, Lance Cpl. Hayden Snider, Cpl. Trenton L. Wells, HM1 Twyia Manning and HM3 Tiana Holmes.
“We are incredibly proud of these individuals whose dedication and service embody the highest standards of excellence,” Col. Dan Gillan (USMC Retired), chair of the chamber’s long-standing Military Affairs Committee and CEO of the Albany Area YMCA, said. “Their contributions are invaluable to our community and our nation.”
Highlighting the event was a presentation of colors by the Albany Young Marines; an invocation from Lt. Commander Mike Matson, chaplain at MCLB Albany; and a stirring rendition of the national anthem sung by Sarah Jane Houston.
Sponsors of the Rise ‘n’ Shine included MolsonCoors, Albany Technical College, RHC, Coldwell Banker Walden & Kirkland, Sam Service, Dougherty County Government, Southern Point Staffing, Edward Jones with Kerry Hall, Navy Federal Credit Union, SA Recycling, Winsupply of Albany and the Exchange Club of Albany.
For information about the Albany Area Chamber, the advantages of membership and upcoming events, visit www.albanyga.com.
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