On the Friday before the Memorial Day holiday weekend, ChamberSOUTH’s Military Affairs Committee hosted the Military Appreciation General Membership Breakfast. The guest speaker was Coast Guard Rear Admiral Karl L. Schultz, Director of J3 Operations for the United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). The breakfast was presented by the First National Bank of South Miami.
Admiral Schultz gave a detailed presentation on the command organization for SOUTHCOM, which is based in Doral. Organizational responsibilities cover 31 countries in the region and SOUTHCOM is tasked with regional security, transnational organized crime, drug interdiction, goodwill medical missions, and other pressing duties.
At the breakfast, the Military Affairs Committee presented the winners of their annual essay contest. First place winner Darius Smith of Miami Norland Senior H.S. JROTC received a $150 cash award.
Photos courtesy of
- Military Affairs Committee members and Chamber l–eadership present the admiral with a token of appreciation.
- Presenting sponsor First National Bank of South Miami staff attending the breakfast
- Felix Varela Sr.HS JROTC Color Guard
- ChamberSOUTH Chair Claudia Cancio with Past Chair Peter Jude (left) and CDR Charles Leo of the Felix Varela Sr.HS JROTC
- Military Affairs Chair Ken Kistner presents a check to Darius Smith. He is accompanied by SFC Benjamin J. Young.
- USCG Rear Adm. Karl L. Schultz
- Chamber member Col. George Cadman introduces Rear Adm. Schultz.