Mobile Chamber honors military leaders at 38th Annual Military Appreciation Lunch

The Mobile Chamber and its Military Affairs Committee recognized retired, current, and future military leaders during the 38th Annual Military Appreciation Lunch, held at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. Columbia Southern University served as the event’s presenting sponsor.

Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne praised the contributions of military personnel and young cadets, stating the event was a privilege to honor those who drive progress at home and abroad.

The program paid tribute to the military’s impact on the local business community and recognized outstanding members of the armed services, ROTC, and JROTC programs.

Major awards and honorees

Major General Janet L. Cobb, USA (Ret.), received the General Gary Cooper Outstanding Service Award for her 42-year military career and civic leadership. Cobb, a Distinguished Military Graduate of the University of Alabama ROTC program and the university’s first female general officer, led critical logistics and transportation operations during deployments to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the Netherlands. She later commanded the 81st Regional Support Command and served as Senior Commander at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico. Cobb, who retired in 2016, also served as Executive Director of the USS ALABAMA Battleship Commission and holds a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Boatswain’s Mate First Class Blake A. Westforth, USCG, was honored with the U.S. Navy League Hugh M. Casteix Award. Westforth was recognized for his heroic actions after witnessing a car veer into Mobile Bay with a mother and two children trapped inside. Without hesitation, he led a successful rescue effort, ensuring all three victims received medical care. His bravery exemplified the U.S. Coast Guard’s values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty.

Cadet Caleb Cooper was named the University of South Alabama Army ROTC Cadet of the Year, while Cadet Lucas Madden received the University of South Alabama Air Force ROTC Cadet of the Year award.