Page 146 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2022

FINAL SAY
BUTCH
SIMPSON
Owner, Negrotto’s Frame + Art
I began my journey in the U.S. Army in August 1983, fresh out of high school with no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. Fast forward 16 years and too many moves to count, I found myself on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with my family contemplating retirement.
I was first exposed to the Military One Coast during their annual Salute to the Military Banquet. I served on the color guard for two years and was fortunate enough to be awarded the Thomas V. Freidian Award for community service in 2002. That was the beginning of my association with the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and Military One Coast.
Military One Coast was founded in 1995 as the Coast Centurions with the primary mission of retaining the Coast’s military installations and presence in the face of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) commission. Through the efforts and advocacy of the local business community, our installations have not only remained but are constantly being improved and upgraded as the requirements of our national defense change to meet present-day threats.
I’ve been able to experience the benefits provided by the Military One Coast as both a civilian and active duty servicemember. I’ve lived in
five military communities across the U.S. since I enlisted – none have even come close to the support provided to the military stationed along the Coast. As a small business owner, the events held by the association provide a deeper understanding of the benefits of having the military
in our community. The annual meeting provides an economic impact overview of each installation along the Coast, as well as explaining what the troops stationed here have been and will be doing.
Harrison County has the largest population of retired military in
the state. The diversity and worldly experience the retirees bring to
our community is an irreplaceable asset that we wouldn’t have if it weren’t for Keesler Air Force Base and the Seabee Base. In addition
to the Salute to the Military event, the organization assists with numerous events along the Gulf Coast such as the Special Olympics
of Mississippi, Gulf Coast Leadership Symposium, and the Fallen Oak Golf Tournament.
Becoming a member of Military One Coast is one
way to show the members of our community in the Armed Forces how grateful we are for the sacrifices they make every day. We advocate for them when they are, due to regulations and guidelines, unable to advocate
for themselves. Members have access to tours of the installations and invitations to military-specific events held by the association. Your membership dues are used to support the program of work of the Military Affair Committees of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce and provide small business grants to veteran- owned businesses along the Gulf Coast.
For more information or to join, contact Alexis Higgins at 228.604.0014 or alexis@mscoastchamber.com.
146 | July 2022
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