Military Programs
 

The Montgomery Chamber hosts the River Region Defense Council (RRDC) twice per year to provide a forum for senior military leaders to update local elected officials and civic leaders on military organizations and missions. Members include the mayors of seven local cities, a variety of city, county, and state elected officials, MAJCOM Civic Partners, Alabama Military Stabilization Commission members, County Board of Education officials, and business and civic leaders. The purpose is for local civic and military leadership to better understand the different military missions that reside in the Montgomery-River Region and to explore ways to support, sustain, and grow those missions. Typical discussion items are of mutual benefit like quality of life and place, education, spousal employment, family support and work force development.

The Montgomery Chamber organizes a series of military orientations for a variety of newly elected officials, MGM Partners, Wright Flyers, and other civic and business leaders. These events happen three times a year, with one visit each at Dannelly Field for an orientation on the 187th Fighter Wing; at Maxwell AFB for orientations on Air University, the 42nd Air Base Wing, and the 908th Airlift Wing; and at Gunter Annex for orientations on the Air Force Business Enterprise Systems Directorate, the 26th Network Operations Squadron and the Defense Information systems Agency.

Every year, during May which is National Military Appreciation Month, the Montgomery Chamber sponsors a public display of support for the military. "Freedom Isn't Free" is a regional media campaign that promotes special offers and discounts for military personnel and their families. May was designated as Military Appreciation Month by Congress in recognition of Victory Day, VE Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.

Each November, the Chamber hosts a Veterans Day Ceremony to honor the River Region’s veteran population. Additionally, the Chamber, in partnership with many local businesses, promotes special offers and discounts for veterans and military members.