SAVANNAH, Ga. -- With Memorial Day around the corner, members of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council and the Coastal Empire community honored the Third Infantry Division and other service members May 23 during the Chamber's Military Appreciation Luncheon at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort and Spa.
Major General Robert "Abe" Abrams, commanding general of the Third Infantry Division and the luncheon's guest speaker, said the unconditional support from the Coastal Empire community made Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield the best Army environment in the country.
Addressing the more than 300 people in the ballroom, Maj. Gen. Abrams spoke of upcoming deployments and the Third Infantry Division's role in the future of Afghanistan.
"The fight in Afghanistan is far from over," said Maj. Gen. Abrams. "Your Armed Forces, our Armed Forces, remain at war but our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard continue to serve and sacrifice for our country.
"Their commitment and dedication is steady -- it's unwavering, regardless of what task we throw at them. They are in every way meeting or exceeding the high expectations and standards we have for our Armed Forces, which is something that all of us as Americans can take pride in," Abrams said.
He also challenged the audience to celebrate Memorial Day by reflecting upon the influence of service members in their personal lives and within the community.
Bill Cathcart, Vice-President and General Manager of WTOC-TV, said he was grateful, not only for Maj. Gen. Abram's presence, but for the service of all the military in and around the Savannah area.
"In my mind, there is nothing that we do, or have, or are able to achieve in this country, that isn't as a result of the service and sacrifice of all of our men and women in uniform," said Cathcart.
After his speech, Maj. Gen. Abrams took questions from the audience and posed for a few pictures.
"This entire community has continued to give and support without asking for one thing back," said Abrams. "You can't put a price on that. And none of us in uniform take that for granted."
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