Honor Those Who Serve. AFCEA NOVA Continues the Tradition.
Katie Helwig
GSA OASIS SME | Co-Author: Government Marketing Best Practices 2.0 | Corporate Development Service Provider | AFCEA International Board of Directors
AFCEA NOVA hosted a black tie gala at the Sheraton Tysons on February 11, to honor active duty service professionals from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. This 37-year tradition is personal to committee chair, Charles "Chuck" Corjay who shared his shock and disappointment on the lack of appreciation the American people displayed for him and fellow warriors coming home from Korea.
"Not on my watch"
For the last 36 years, Mr. Corjay has leveraged the AFCEA brand to ensure those who live in the Northern Virginia area celebrate warriors for their duty, honor, sacrifice, and service to our nation.
This top tier event embedded all the tradition that a military ceremony values. The Military District of Washington Honor Guard presented and retired the Colors, and "The President's Own" Master Sergeant Kevin Bennear, United States Marine Band, sang our Nation's Anthem.
Congresswomen Barbara Comstock carved out time and took the podium to personally thank our warriors for their service to country.
Sheraton Tysons served a delicious three-course meal, with stellar wait service and a grand ballroom and foyer that complemented the stunning ball gowns, mess dresses, and tuxedos attendees donned.
Once the chocolate covered heart-shaped cheese cake and coffee was served, the dance floor officially opened. Live music by Odyssey brought attendees to their feet.
One sober note that brought a collective negative reaction was when Mr. Corjay announced that he was officially retiring as chair for this event.
A celebratory event at this calibre is not possible without a regiment of dedicated volunteers and the generosity from those who want to express appreciation to those who have embraced "service before self". Thank you to: CACI; CenturyLink; Advanced Systems Development, Inc.; AT&T; AveningTech; CA Technologies; CRI Advantage; ENSCO; BAE Systems; CSRA; Delta Resources, Inc.; Fortinet; George Mason University; Northrop Grumman; ORACLE; and QBE.
I am already looking forward to next year!
Space Professional and Amateur Military Historian
7 年This was a great event, honoring our service men and women. Well done NOVA! As an aside, as a retired AF officer, I prefer a "squadron of volunteers" over a "regiment" of them... :)