Cheryl Clark and Master Sgt. Timothy Smith converse prior to lunch at the Military/Defense Community benefit hosted by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce March 11. The benefit aimed to raise money to support and enable the chamber to work with local military organizations, as well as state and federal officials to ensure defense facilities remain in the area. The chamber has been awarded the prestigious Abilene Chamber of Commerce Air Mobility Award for its outstanding support of the military three times since 2003 and is the only community to receive the award three times. Sergeant Smith is the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant, and Mrs. Clark is the honorary commander assigned to the 437th Airlift Wing commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)

Master Sgt. Timothy Smith, left, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jamie Nicholson and Marine Capt. Shawn Rickrode, right, recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Military/Defense Community benefit March 11. The benefit raised funds for programs such as infrastructure funding, public policy and the military relations community. Military members spoke about the support the chamber offered within the community as well as to deployed members overseas. Sergeant Smith is the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant, and Sergeant Nicholson and Captain Rickrode are Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructors at The Citadel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)

Master Sgt. Timothy Smith speaks to an audience at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce March 11. The conference was one of many to help raise funds within the community to support programs such as workforce development, workforce housing and the military policy council. Sergeant Smith recently returned from a deployment to the Middle East and spoke about the community support organized by the chamber to boost the morale of deployed troops. Sergeant Smith is the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)

Master Sgt. Timothy Smith speaks to an audience at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce March 11. The conference was one of many held to help raise funds within the community to support programs such as workforce development, workforce housing and the military policy council. Sergeant Smith recently returned from a deployment to the Middle East and spoke about the community support that was organized by the chamber to boost the morale of deployed troops. Sergeant Smith is the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Main)

Master Sgt. Timothy Smith, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jamie Nicholson and Marine Capt. Shawn Rickrode listen attentively at the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Military/Defense Community benefit March 11. The benefit aimed to raise money to support and enable the chamber to work with area military organizations and local state and federal officials. Sergeant Smith is the 437th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant, and Sergeant Nicholson and Captain Rickrode are Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructors at The Citadel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren)