Connecticut Honors Service Members

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- More than 200 national, state and local community leaders as well as members of the Navy, Army and National Guard, and Coast Guard, were recognized during the 3rd Annual Chamber of Commerce Eastern Connecticut Military Appreciation Breakfast, Oct. 19.

Rear Adm. Rick Breckenridge, commander, Submarine Group 2, participated in the annual appreciation event along with his joint colleagues, Adjutant General, Connecticut National Guard Major Gen. Thad Martin; and U.S. Coast Guard Barque 'Eagle'(WIX-327) Commanding Officer Capt. Raymond Pulver.

"I am proud to see the level of representation from the national, state and community leadership to recognize members of the military, and your participation today reflects the honor and respect that is due to them," said Breckenridge.

During the tribute to service, honorary remarks were made by David McCall, General Dynamics Electric Boat; Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney and Joseph Perkins, deputy commissioner of Veterans Affairs for the State of Connecticut.

Bob T. Ross, director of the Connecticut Office of Military Affairs presented Blackhawk Fishing Co. with the military community support award.

"Every man and woman who wears the uniform is part of a long line of achievement and honor to this nation," said Ross. "These folks continue to excel in support of our military and their families."

Courtney introduced a wounded veteran who was injured in Afghanistan in July and emphasized the importance of remembering all who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and those whose wounds are still healing as well as those currently serving in the military.

"This room is filled with similar individuals who are examples of human excellence and courage, which all of us as Americans should aspire to," said Courtney.

Wyman reflected on her pride for those who serve their country.

"I look out in this room, and it's easy to see how proud I am to be an American citizen with so many wonderful people around who volunteer to wear the uniform of our nation," said Wyman. "Thank you for who you are and what you do."

Blumenthal thanked the service members for the opportunity to fulfill what he called his "obligation to pay his debt, not just in words, but in deeds".

"Anyone who may have reservations about our country should simply spend some time with our men and women in uniform," said Blumenthal. "If you spend that time with them, you will have no doubt that our nation is the greatest and the strongest in the history of the world."

More than 4,000 active duty military members are stationed in Eastern, Conn.; the Chamber of Commerce Eastern Connecticut's Military Affairs Council is active in recognizing their contributions to the region.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/.