Description

The Military Appreciation Luncheon recognizes all branches of the military community both active and retired. Come hear an incredible message from keynote speaker, Commander Mark K. Fields, U.S. Navy (ret.), the executive director of the USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park. 

Awards and special recognition are presented to distinguished JROTC & ROTC cadets as well as the General Gary Cooper Award presented by Keesler Federal Credit Union. 

Tickets:

$75 for general admission

$50 for Mobile Chamber members AND active/retired military.

For member or active and retired military pricing, call 251-431-8606.

*No refunds after April 10*

Commander Mark K. Fields, U.S. Navy (ret.)

Commander Mark K. Fields is a native of Leavenworth, Kansas. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. Following graduation, he entered Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, and was commissioned an ensign in 1987.

He proudly served as a career surface warfare officer. His assignments at sea include anti-submarine warfare officer and damage control assistant, USS Bronstein (FF 1037); damage control assistant, USS Buchanan (DDG 14); combat systems officer, USS McInerney (FFG 8); executive officer, USS Pioneer (MCM 9); and executive officer, USS Ardent (MCM 12). Ashore, he was assigned as lead damage control/auxiliary systems instructor and Navy Leader Development Program lead instructor at Surface Warfare Officers School, Division Officer Course, in Newport, Rhode Island; training officer, Naval Reserve Center, Tampa, Florida; and executive officer, Assault Craft Unit Four.

Commander Fields reported as commanding officer, Naval Reserve Center, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 2000 and served additional duties as commanding officer, Naval Reserve Center, Meridian, Mississippi. Naval Reserve Center, Tuscaloosa, was awarded the 2001 Sidney Fields Award for the best overall reserve center in the region. He completed consecutive major Washington, D.C., headquarters staff assignments. In 2003, he reported to the Joint Manpower and Personnel Directorate (J-1) of the Joint Staff as a manpower analyst. Commander Fields served his final active-duty assignment as operational support officer, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C. In 2007, Commander Fields retired following 20 years of active service.

His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (two awards); Joint Service Commendation Medal; Navy Commendation Medal (four awards); and Navy Achievement Medal (three awards); as well as various unit and service awards.

Following his military retirement, he worked with the Tuscaloosa County License Commission. From 2016 to 2019, he worked for the City of Tuscaloosa as deputy chief human resource officer (2016–2017), city clerk (2017–2019), and chief human resource officer (2019–2020). In September 2020, he was appointed as the Tuscaloosa County license commissioner. Additionally, he served on the board of directors for the Association of Alabama Tax Administrators. He is also a member of the Military Officers Association of America – West Alabama Chapter.