Salute the Military this month

Pensacola, Fla. - Each year, the Pensacola Bay Area celebrates Military Appreciation Month (MAM), a time for us of all to consider the sacrifices made by our military and their families. This year more than any other, our service men and women need to know all of us appreciate their role at home and abroad.

Military Appreciation Month includes area events like the Hawkshaw Music Fest, Pelican's games, School Essay Contest for students in Escambia County, dedication of the Korean War Memorial and more.

If you are interested, it doesn't take much time to become involved and there are many ways you can support our military.

Display the Military Appreciation Month banners at your home, club, church or business during May. Banners are available at the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce for $35.

Offer discounts at your business to military personnel. Signage available at the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.

Help sponsor an event for MAM.

Wear a "Support Our Troops" button.

If you see a person in a military uniform, shake their hand and say, "Thank you for serving our country."

Send a care package to a soldier through www.USOCares.org.

The military is such a major part of the Pensacola Bay Area. Your help is appreciated. For more information, please call Debi Panyko with the Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce at 850/438-4081 ext. 227.