Note: The award program is no longer active.
The awards recognize outstanding enlisted personnel from each branch of the United States military in South Florida, United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and Florida National Guard who have an outstanding military record, have made significant community contributions through their involvement in charitable volunteer efforts, and exemplify the significance the military has on our community.
The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee began this recognition program in 1987 to honor the “Servicepersons of the Year” – Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Coast Guard personnel who are not only good at their jobs but who dedicate time and effort to supporting the community through volunteering in charitable, neighborhood or church programs.
It is important for the Miami business community to understand that local military units are valuable additions to South Florida – both for their economic impact and for the value that the military personnel bring in their participation within the community.
Recipients
2017
Intelligence Specialist, Second Class Nikki N. Tilley
United States Navy | United States Southern Command
Operations Specialist, First Class Rosalie C. Hammond
United States Coast Guard | Coast Guard District Seven
Sergeant David R. Pelfrey
United States Air Force | United States Special Operations Command South
Sergeant Jonathan Miranda
United States Marine Corps | United States Marine Corps Forces South
Master Sergeant Stephanie L. Van Veldhuizen
United States Air Force | United States Special Operations Command South
Technical Sergeant Isaiah Escorcia
United States Air Force | 482nd Fighter Wing
Aviation Survival Technician, First Class Jaime A. Vanacore
United States Coast Guard | United States Coast Guard Air Station
Specialist Jordon K. Perez
Florida National Guard | 124th Infantry Regiment
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret), Antonio Colmenares
Director of Veteran Services | City of Miami
2016
Petty Officer, Second Class Peta-Gaye McKenzie
United States Navy | United States Southern Command
Intelligence Specialist, Third Class Joseph Pfrimmer
United States Coast Guard | Coast Guard District Seven
Technical Sergeant Jeremy Rivera
United States Air Force | United States Special Operations Command South
Sergeant Jonathan Miranda
United States Marine Corps | United States Marine Corps Forces South
Master Sergeant Francisco Navarro
United States Air Force | 482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Reserve Base
Information Systems Technician, Third Class Gerick B. Guzman
United States Coast Guard | United Stead Coast Guard Base Miami Beach
Sergeant Andrew Paredes
United States Army Reserve | 841st Engineer Battalion
Sergeant, First Class Javier Rios
United States Army | United States Army Recruiting Battalion–Miami
Petty Officer, Shawn P. Lewis
United States Navy | Navy Operational Support Center–Miami
