The 52 Annual Military Appreciation Banquet has been cancelled due to a variety of challenges. Primarily, there are continued concerns stemming from the pandemic that limits our ability to responsibly gather indoors in a meaningful way that adequately demonstrates our communities support and appreciation of the service men, women, and families that are stationed locally. While we may not be able to physically convene and show our appreciation to our military members, we are seeking alternative ways to collaborate with our installations and honor the individuals that would have been honored at this year’s event. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more information later this year. Thank you to all of our sponsors, hosts, vendors, volunteers, and especially our military for making this event possible for the past 51 years. The Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce will continue to support our military through our advocacy wok that includes developing, maintaining and supporting cooperative and beneficial partnerships between the military and Interior businesses that stimulate growth, promotes the capabilities and sustainability of our installations, and support our service men, women, and families and their role in defending our nations interests.

This year marks the 52nd anniversary of the Military Appreciation Banquet, an event that started out as small dinner-in-the-home parties hosted by Jim and Rosemary Messer* for their friends in the military. It quickly grew and prospered into the banquet style event it is today, hosting over 600 people annually. The evening honors military personnel from Interior Alaska in recognition of their excellence, leadership, and commitment in service to our armed forces. The banquet is a great way for our community to show our gratitude and support for our friends in uniform.

The banquet program includes recognition of military members who have exhibited distinguished service to our country and volunteer of the year recipients from each of out local installations including Eielson AFB, Ft Wainwright, Clear Air Force Station, and Ft. Greely. A member of the community, identified by military leadership for their promotion of military/community relations over the years will be awarded with the Jim Messer Award.

This event would not be possible without the generous support of the business community. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please call us at (907) 452-1105.

*Jim Messer was the Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee for the Fairbanks Chamber for many years and, for decades, he was on the front lines of our community’s efforts to offer the military an environment of friendliness, first-class housing, and a quality of life second to none.
 

Highlights from the 2019 Military Appreciation Banquet