Oceanside Chamber Enlisted Recognition Reception Honors Top Marines and Sailors

The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce  honored Camp Pendleton’s top Marines and Sailors from various units at their annual Enlisted Recognition Reception on Thursday, February 23, 2017. The reception took place at the Veterans Association of North County (VANC) located at 1617 Mission Avenue, in Oceanside.
 
Congressman Darrell Issa was in attendance to address the troops and spent time after the ceremony speaking with individual Marines and Sailors and their guests.  The keynote speaker for the event was Colonel John R. Polidoro, Jr., Commanding Officer of Headquarters and Support BN, MCB Camp Pendleton. 

The Oceanside Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee created the Enlisted Recognition Program in 2001 as a way for the business community to recognize the excellence of the local enlisted personnel. Chamber CEO, Scott Ashton noted that while the Chamber has had an Enlisted Recognition program for 16 years, this year was special “because our neighbor, Camp Pendleton is celebrating their 75th Anniversary.” The Chamber recently partnered with the Camp Pendleton Historical Society to produce a commemorative 75th Anniversary Magazine.
 
Thirty-five Marines and Sailors representing various units from aboard Camp Pendleton were recognized with plaques from the Oceanside Chamber and certificates from Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood, Supervisor Bill Horn, Assemblymember Rocky Chavez, State Senator Pat Bates and Congressman Darrell Issa.
 
Oceanside Chamber’s Military Spouse of the Year was also announced at the event with three finalists in attendance.  Finalists included Suzan Simon, Leigh Thoman, Toni Stinson, with Simon being named the winner.