MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Chamber and its Military Affairs Committee honored retired, current and future military leaders during its 38th Annual Military Appreciation Lunch held at the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. The presenting sponsor was Columbia Southern University.

“Honoring the servicemen and women who drive progress at home and abroad is a true privilege. We also proudly recognize the young cadets who will carry Mobile’s military tradition forward as the next generation of leaders,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne.

The program paid tribute to the impact military personnel have on the local business community and included several awards for each branch of the military and recognized outstanding ROTC and JROTC cadets.

 

Gen. Gary Cooper Outstanding Service Award

MG Janet L. Cobb, USA (Ret.)

The General Gary Cooper Outstanding Service Award is given to a current or former military service member who inspires others by living out the values we see in Major General Cooper including achievement, courage, excellence and humility.

The 2025 General Gary Cooper Outstanding Service Award recipient is Major General Janet Cobb. She is a pioneering leader whose 42-year military career and continued civic service exemplify dedication and excellence. Commissioned in 1978 after graduating as a Distinguished Military Graduate from the University of Alabama ROTC program, she became the university’s first female general officer.

Her career included deployments to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the Netherlands, where she led critical logistics and transportation operations. She later commanded the 81st Regional Support Command and served as Senior Commander at Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, retiring in 2016.

She also served as Executive Director of the USS ALABAMA Battleship Commission and Battleship Memorial Park. She holds a Juris Doctor from Cumberland School of Law and a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

 

 

U.S. Navy League Hugh M. Casteix Award

BM1 Blake Westforth, USCG

The Mobile Council of the U.S. Navy League is proud to recognize local active-duty members of the Sea Services for their outstanding accomplishments in the performances of their duties.

The Hugh M. Casteix (Cast-E- Ax) Winner is Boatswain’s mate First Class Blake A. Westforth, USCG.

Petty Officer Westforth is being recognized for his extraordinary heroism and quick-thinking response that saved three lives. While driving along Dauphin Island Parkway, he witnessed a car veer off the road and plunge into Mobile Bay. The vehicle, submerged in four feet of water with a mother and two young children trapped inside, was rapidly sinking.

Without hesitation, Westforth pulled over, called 911, and directed three team members into the water to force open the doors and rescue the family. He coordinated medical response efforts and ensured all three victims received care, remaining on-site until emergency crews arrived.

His decisive leadership and brave actions reflect great credit upon himself, the Aids to Navigation Team Mobile, and the U.S. Coast Guard. He exemplifies the service’s highest values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.

 

University of South Alabama Army ROTC

Cadet of the Year: Cadet Caleb Cooper

The University of South Alabama Army ROTC Cadet of the Year Award recognizes a cadet who has shown exemplary leadership skills throughout the year and is a model cadet.

The 2025 winner of the Outstanding Achievement Award is Cadet Caleb Cooper.

 

University of South Alabama Air Force ROTC

Cadet of the Year: Cadet Lucas Madden

The University of South Alabama Army ROTC Cadet of the Year Award recognizes a cadet who has shown exemplary leadership skills throughout the year and is a model cadet.

The 2025 winner is Cadet Lucas Madden.

 

Mobile County Public School System Junior ROTC Cadet Awards

 

The following Junior ROTC Cadets were also recognized from each of their schools:

Accel Academy – Cadet Darrian Carrio

Baker High School – Cadet Kierston Campbell

Blount High School – Cadet Harmonee Phelon

Bryant High School – Cadet Hannah D. Watson

Chickasaw High School – Cadet Isabelle Smith

Citronelle High School – Cadet Zoey Back

Davidson High School – Cadet Ayden Ezell

LeFlore High School – Cadet Jaylene Brandon

Montgomery High School – Cadet Jordan B. Vertrees

Murphy High School – Cadet Mercedes English

Rain High School – Cadet Gamya Petite (GA-MY-A PeTeet)

Saraland High School – Cadet Orion Halagean

Satsuma High School – Cadet Hannah Rohe

Theodore High School – Cadet Jakob Oliver

Vigor High School – Cadet Kelsey M. Ellis

Williamson High School – Cadet Cassius Priest

 

The keynote speaker was Commander Mark K. Fields, U.S. Navy (ret.), the executive director of the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park.

The Mobile Chamber would like to thank our Military Appreciation Lunch sponsors for making this event possible: Columbia Southern University, Keesler Federal Credit Union, Austal USA, Canfor Southern Pine, Roberts Brothers Inc., Prosperity Home Mortgage, SSSAB, Alabama Shipyard, Century Bank, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED, Mobile Airport Authority, Persons Services Corp., USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park.