Each year, Military Appreciation Day attracts thousands of families for a day of fun and celebration of freedom and service. In order to bring an event of this magnitude to fruition, organizations from all over the Homestead community came together. For months prior to the event, representatives from the Homestead Air Reserve Base, South Dade Chamber of Commerce, Homestead Main Street, and Military Affairs Committee among others met to plan the successful event now in its fourth year. To honor their exceptional dedication, Vice Mayor Shelley presented the committee members with commemorative plaques at the June 2015 Special Council Presentations.
“This year’s event was the best yet—it was wonderful to see so many of our military and civilian families come together,” said Vice Mayor Shelley, who has spearheaded the event since its inception in 2011. “The military is an integral part of our community and to honor them for all they do is a privilege. I want to thank the committee for working together to make such a special event for all our military men and women and for the City of Homestead.”
It was the relentless dedication of these individuals that made the event a memorable one. The event hosted thousands of attendees and plenty of fun for everyone. This year's event included an epic obstacle course designed to showcase the strength of our military, a flyover of F-16 Fighting Falcon Jets, military displays, food trucks, and kids’ activities. Additionally, the event featured an exhibit of student art and essays on what freedom or honoring service means to them.
Those recognized were: Yvonne Knowles, Steve Alexander, Rosa Brito, Ron Mongole, Dale Machesic, Carlos Batista, Chris Huss, Anthony Gorman, Timothy F. Norton, Lt. Col David Lionberger, Brigadier General Kurt Soontag, Deputy Director William “Bill” Avery, Mr. Scott Gentle, Lt. Col Kim McDonald, LCDR Jason Ingram, Major David G. Martinez, CW 5 Brian F. Masterson, Colonel Elwin A. Rozyskie Jr.
