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ALBANY, GA -- Bright and early at 0800 hours, the Albany-Area Chamber of Commerce held a special breakfast Wednesday morning honoring the military community.

“The military presence in Albany is a big part of who we are,” said Chamber President Catherine Glover.

The chamber and their Military Affairs Committee hosted their quarterly Rise and Shine Breakfast. They say it’s a chance to mingle with the men and women who keep us safe.

“It's something that it's something that we need to capitalize on and let them know how much their community appreciates their service,” said Glover.

While the chamber says they appreciate the work done by our servicemen, it's a dual relationship because marine base officials say they also appreciate the work done by our local business community.

“In all the places that I have been in my 24 years, this community probably embraces us more then I have seen anywhere else,” said Colonel Terry Williams of the MCLB. “This community is just outstanding in its love for the Marines and the base and their families.”

Aside from the eating and appreciating there were also two other pieces of business. One was to update the community on the work of the MCLB.

“I just wanted to make sure that everybody understood that not only are we forward deployed as the big Marine Corps but Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany and its tenants have a major role in supporting worldwide deployments,” said Williams.

Non Commissioned Officers and Marines of the Quarter were also announced.

“They looked at all aspects of being a marine and decided the marine that they considered to be the non-commissioned officer of the quarter.  It's a great honor to represent my unit and make my leaders proud,” said Sgt. Jessica Hall, NCO of the Quarter.

The next Community breakfast will be held May 4.