Space Coast Community: As good as it gets

  • Published
  • By Brig. Gen. Ed Wilson
On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of attending a Military Affairs Council meeting in Merritt Island.

Next week, we'll visit with members of our Brevard County Civilian-Military Council in Cocoa Beach.

They will be, sadly, the last time Lisa and I get the chance to interact - and thank - our community members who truly make a difference in the quality of life for all the service members who call the Space Coast home.

As a commander, it gives us a sense of sense of security when we know full well that the entire community "really has our backs."

And we are not the only command or unit who feels this way. All of our valued mission partners ... all our joint-service brothers and sisters all feel the same.

When we talk about "Team Patrick," that means all of us.

Whether it's preparing and serving home-cooked meals for the spouses of our deployed troops, to hosting the ever popular junior enlisted picnic, to offering college scholarships to deserving dependents, and to honoring the most deserving military volunteers in our midst, this community takes a back seat to none I've seen in more than a quarter century of service.

One of the first things we noticed about these special organizations all throughout the community, is that few of them even want to be noticed. They "do what they do" out of a sincere sense of gratitude and respect for those of us who put on a uniform and go to work each and every day.

Being "recognized" for what they do is not in their mission statement so it gives us pleasure to do so publicly today.

In a few weeks, Lisa and I will be saying our goodbyes to you and the community, and we rest easy knowing Brig. Gen. (Select) Cotton and his family will be treated as warmly as we were from Day 1.

So to them, and to all of you, thanks again for all you do.

You're the best.