SALUTING THE MILITARY

County Commissioner “Pepe” Diaz, retired US Marine, with Laurie Huseby.

Two events were held recently to support the men and women in military service to our country. On Sunday, February 21^st, ChamberSOUTH’s Military Affairs Committee and Chamber N-XT took to the lanes of Bird Bowl for the inaugural Bowling Tournament.  In mid-March, on Sunday March 13^th, TeamFootworks organized the Military 5K taking runners to the streets of South Miami for this special event.

Members of the Military Affairs Committee of ChamberSOUTH, chaired by Pilar Montes of FirstBank Florida and past Chair Ken Kistner of CBT College together with the Chamber’s young professional group, Chamber N-XT, staged a bowling tournament at Bird Bowl.  Twenty-five lanes were filled with sponsored teams, each of which hosted an active member of the military.  Service men and women were joined by their spouses and children for an enjoyable family-fun event.  Funds raised go to support the work of the Military Affairs Committee.  For more information on being involved with the MAC please contact the ChamberSOUTH offices at 305.661.1621.

The Tribute to the Military 5K was first organized after 9/11 by Dr. Robert Pickard and the late John “Hans” Huseby of TeamFootworks.  The event was originally staged in different locations in Miami-Dade County and was discontinued as it lacked a permanent home base.  Dr. Pickard, (retired USA Colonel) and TeamFootworks brought back the event this year with staging on the streets of South Miami and Hans Huseby Run, with the original goal of uniting the civilian and military communities. The event, held in the evening on Sunday, March 13, featured the US Army Exhibit and Simulator for all to try their hands at modern weapons technology, as well as bounce houses, kiddie dashes, refreshments and much more.