Christian County MAC hosts Eagle Ambassador Breakfast to highlight accomplishments

Over 100 of city and county leaders, community members, and local professionals gathered at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming, and Hotel on March 4 to celebrate the accomplishments of the Military Affairs Committee in Christian County.

HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Hundreds of city and county leaders, community members, and local professionals gathered at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming, and Hotel on March 4 to celebrate the accomplishments of the Military Affairs Committee in Christian County.

During this year’s Eagle Ambassador Breakfast along with the Christian County Chamber of Commerce, Jack Smith opened the event, recognizing the volunteers and crediting their dedication to the community for making everything the MAC does possible. Gold Star families who lost a loved one in military service were presented roses by Judge Executive Jerry Gilliam and Mayor J.R. Knight.

Eagle Ambassador Breakfast hosted by the Christian County Military Affairs Committee. March 4, 2025 (Daynnah Carmona)

“It is our job as a community to make sure our military families know they are always welcome home to southwest Kentucky. Home is the keyword there,” said MAC Director of Military Affairs Shannon Lane. He addressed the crowd before a video presentation recapping the year, reminding them of the sacrifice service members endure, and commending volunteers.

“I’d also like to acknowledge that this past year has been full of many challenges,” said Lane. “But much of the support that has been provided has been through volunteers.”

The Keynote speaker for the event was COL James C. Stultz, Commander 2ND Brigade Combat Team “Strike” 101st Airborne Division. He proudly shared that Fort Campbell is the number one location that soldiers want to come to, and the number one post where soldiers want to retire from, crediting the community support for being a factor.

He emphasized the relevance of the base, and the hard work put in by service members saying, “We are relevant, we are a critical part of the army’s overall mission…and I think that’s a benefit for both the community and the army.”

Eagle Ambassador Breakfast hosted by the Christian County Military Affairs Committee. March 4, 2025 (Daynnah Carmona)

Two people were awarded during the event due to their outstanding service to the MAC. Philip Eastman first presented the Screaming Eagle Award to Terry Hamby, which was introduced by a recorded message from United States Senator Mitch McConnell. He praised Hamby’s work with creating war memorials across the country and being deeply committed to honoring the men and women who gave their lives during service.

The MAC Service Award is given to an individual who goes above and beyond to support their mission. This year, it was given to Anthony Livingston with PepsiCo. He was credited for stepping up whenever needed to support military families.

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Christian County MAC hosts Eagle Ambassador Breakfast to highlight accomplishments | PHOTOS