56th Annual Military Appreciation Banquet

This year marks the 56th anniversary of the Military Appreciation Banquet, an event that started out as small dinner-in-the-home parties hosted by Jim and Rosemary Messer for their friends in the military. It quickly grew into the banquet-style event it is today, hosting over 500 people annually. The evening honors military personnel from Interior Alaska in recognition of their excellence, leadership, and commitment in service to our armed forces. The banquet is a great way for our community to show gratitude and support for our friends in uniform.

The banquet program includes recognition of military members who have exhibited distinguished service to our country and Volunteer of the Year recipients from each of our local installations, including Eielson Air Force Base, Fort Wainwright, Clear Space Force Station, and Fort Greely. A member of the community, identified by military leadership for their promotion of military and community relations over the years, will be awarded the Jim Messer Award.