The Coronado Chamber’s 32nd Annual Salute to the Military Ball is just a month away, set for Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the Hotel del Coronado in the Grand Ballroom. The Ball was originally started in 1985 as a way for locals and the surrounding business community to show their appreciation and support to our Coronado military members and their families. These families often live right next door in a small town community like Coronado, but it’s not often that an opportunity is presented to thank them personally for their service.
As such, the Salute to the Military Ball began on the premise that military members would be celebrated at a spectacular evening thrown in their honor, and all would attend for free. Every table sponsorship includes the seating of two military members and their spouses as complimentary guests. Last year, over 200 active-duty service members and their dates were able to attend the black tie event free of charge, alongside the 300 paying community members.
Also invited to attend this spectacular event as distinguished guests are military veterans, including Pearl Harbor survivors and Vietnam POWs. Last year’s event had 13 Pearl Harbor survivors in attendance, and the Chamber is hoping to host even more this year with help from the local community. “Host a Hero” sponsorships are available for $220, which enables a veteran to attend both the VIP Reception and Ball.
“These survivors are true heroes,” said Chamber Executive Director Sue Gillingham. “We hope to host even more at this year’s event and are asking for the community’s help with donations to do so.”
Stuart Hedley is a Pearl Harbor Survivor who has had the privilege of attending the Salute to the Military Ball since 2000. Hedley is the President and Chaplain of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association’s Chapter 3 here in San Diego, but back in 1941 he was just a 20-year-old Seaman First Class stationed aboard the battleship USS West Virginia. He was a gun pointer for the right gun, a 16” 45 caliber rifle. Hedley had a hard time even putting into words what the Salute to the Military Ball means to him and his comrades, but described it as an incredible honor.
“The hospitality that we receive at the Chamber’s Ball goes above and beyond the call of duty,” said Hedley. “It’s such an honor to attend each year, and I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every speaker.”
Hedley was in the Navy for 20 years and nine days, joining in August of 1940 and retiring in August of 1960. He saw a lot in those 20 years, but especially on December 7, 1941. When asked if he remembered much from the day, he joked that it’s not something you could really forget.
“I saw the Arizona when she exploded and the Oklahoma when she capsized,” he said. “One of my buddies was trapped inside the Oklahoma for 36 hours while it was upside down before he was rescued.”
The Chamber has invited multiple other Pearl Harbor survivors to this year’s event, including Ray Chavez, who at 104 is the oldest living Pearl Harbor survivor. Chavez lives in Poway and has attended the Military Ball in the past as well.
The evening will also include the presentation of the 19th annual Harry T. Jenkins Memorial Award and the 6th annual VADM James & Sybil Stockdale Award to deserving military members, as well as a special guest speaker to be announced. The Harry T. Jenkins Award emphasizes honor, integrity and commitment. The Stockdale Award recognizes a military couple who best exemplify the selfless service and dedication to the community, the Military, and the country.
Table sponsorships are also available, starting at just $1,760. In addition to an amazing four-course dinner by the Hotel Del, wine service and entertainment for six guests, all table sponsorships enable two military couples to attend this special evening as complimentary guests. If you cannot commit to a full table, you may sign up as a Table Captain and meet other community members to share and co-sponsor your table.
Please contact the Coronado Chamber of Commerce at (619) 435-9260 or email [email protected] with questions or more sponsorship information. More information can also be found on the Chamber website.
