Lt. Gov. Wyman to join Eastern Chamber of Commerce to honor those in uniform at the 2nd annual Military Appreciation Breakfast

GROTON, Ct. -- Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman and senior military officials stationed in Connecticut will be featured speakers during the 2nd annual Military Appreciation Breakfast, Oct. 21 presented by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.

“It is our way of expressing thanks to those who serve and who have served in our armed forces, not only for what they have done for our country, but for the contributions they make closer to home in eastern Connecticut,” said Tony Sheridan, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut.

The chamber program is scheduled to begin at 7:45 a.m. at the Groton Inn & Suites and is sponsored by Electric Boat/General Dynamics, whose president, John Casey, will address the gathering.

Bob Ross, executive director of the state’s Office of Military Affairs and chair of the Chamber’s military affairs council, will make the presentation of the Military Community Support Awards.

"Our local communities enjoy great relations with Connecticut's service members and their families, fully integrating them into our neighborhoods, schools, churches, civic organizations and businesses,” he said.  “The purpose of the Military Community Support Award is to recognize local businesses that have put forth an extra effort to support our service members and military families."

In addition to the lieutenant governor, the program will feature remarks by Rear Adm. Richard P. Breckenridge, commander of Submarine Group Two at the submarine base in Groton; Major General Thaddeus J. Martin, adjutant general for the Connecticut National Guard; and Rear Admiral Sandra L. Stosz, superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London.

Dr. Linda Schwartz, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, will lead a formal honoring of veterans who are present as well as introduce the Elder Idles from the Coast Guard Academy who will sing the Service Medley.

 

 

 

 

Brief bios of the principal speakers:

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman

She was elected to her present position in November, 2010, after a long career in public service, including 16 years as Connecticut’s State Comptroller. Prior to assuming that position, she served as State Representative (1987-1995) from the 53rd District. She was House Chairperson of the Education Committee and Chairperson of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Elementary and Secondary Education.

While a legislator, she was noted for her work in the area of public education and was named “Legislator of the Year” by the Connecticut Education Association. From 1979-1987, she served on the Tolland Board of Education and was Vice-Chairperson for four of those years.
 
In 2007, Mrs. Wyman sought private donations to create the Wall of Honor tribute and annual memorial ceremony in the State Capitol to the Connecticut men and women in the U.S Armed Forces who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For additional information:  http://www.ct.gov/wyman/cwp/view.asp?a=4016&q=470990

 

Rear Adm. Richard P. Breckenridge

A native of Marshfield, Mass., graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1982.  Following nuclear power training, he reported to USS Hammerhead (SSN 663) where he served in several division officer assignments and conducted one Mediterranean deployment (1984 to 1987). He served in USS Florida (SSBN 728) (GOLD) as the navigator/operations officer (1990 to 1993) supporting five strategic deterrent patrols.  Breckenridge served as executive officer in USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) (1995 to 1997) conducting two North Atlantic deployments. In command of USS Memphis (SSN 691) from 2001 to 2004, his crew conducted numerous tactical development exercises and fleet operations including a 2003 deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Breckenridge’s most recent afloat command was commander, Submarine Squadron Four, responsible for 10 submarines representing all three attack submarine classes.
For additional information: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/bios/navybio.asp?bioID=518

 

Major General Thaddeus J. Martin

He is the adjutant general for the Connecticut National Guard. He is responsible to the Governor and the Chief, National Guard Bureau, for providing operationally trained, equipped and mission-ready forces to support both U.S. mobilization requirements and state emergency operations to include developing and coordinating counter terrorism and domestic preparedness contingencies for the State of Connecticut. He implements policies, programs, and plans as the direct link to all state assigned National Guard resources, providing information and evaluation, issue resolution and action recommendations.
For additional information: http://states.ng.mil/sites/ct/Pages/Default.aspx

 

Rear Admiral Sandra L. Stosz

She assumed the duties of the 40th Superintendent of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, June 3, 2011. She reported to the Academy after serving as the Director of Reserve and Leadership at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. There she was responsible for developing policies to recruit, train and support approximately 8,100 Coast Guard Reservists.
Rear Admiral Stosz is a surface operations officer with 12 years at sea, including command of two cutters – an icebreaking tug on the Great Lakes and a medium endurance cutter that patrolled North Atlantic and Caribbean waters.
For additional information:  http://www.cga.edu/display1.aspx?id=17991