Featured speaker Chris Mohan, a United States Army lieutenant general and commander on Redstone Arsenal, heaped plenty of praise on his fellow service members during the Armed Forces Celebration luncheon Wednesday.

He did, however, save some praise for civilians in the region as he addressed the crowd at the Von Braun Center’s Saturn Ballroom.

The Armed Forces Celebration is annually a one-week observance, extended this year with the U.S. Army enjoying its 250th anniversary. The 13-day schedule of events began with Monday’s Proclamation Signing Ceremony and will conclude with a Birthday Ball on June 14 at the Davidson Center for Space Exploration.

Mohan, who has earned a long list of honors in a career that dates to 1989, said he was amazed by “the great Tennessee Valley’s commitment to our armed focus.’’

“I’ve served in many communities, I’ve been senior commander in multiple places, and this week is a demonstration of just how well you support us. From those of us who serve in uniform, to those of you that are part of this community, I just want to say a heartfelt ‘Thank you.’ ’’

Mohan is Deputy Commanding General and Acting Commander of the U.S. Army Materiel Command, and Senior Commander of Redstone Arsenal. He pointed to the 250th Birthday Ball as a prime example of the community’s interest in the military’s efforts.

“We set the (attendance) goal at 500,’’ he said. “Then it went to 550, then it went to 600 and then 650 and I think we’re at 685 at this point.’’

Mohan added that a military ball can be a “hit or miss’’ proposition, but isn’t surprised the upcoming birthday bash is one of the former.

“This is the way you guys do business,’’ he said.

Many military, political and civic leaders were at the luncheon. Veterans, including those who served in wars, and current military personnel were all recognized by their branch – Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Space Force and Coast Guard.

While separate in name, and the target of each other’s jokes, Mohan declared that a collective effort of all branches is what makes the country’s military superior to all others.

“The strength of our military lies not in the ability of one single force but in the power of ‘joint force,’ ’’ he said. “That’s what makes us the world’s dominant force.’’

Among those representing Redstone Arsenal was Major General Kevin F. Meisler, who serves as the U.S. Army Materiel Command Chief of Staff. He added to Mohan’s definition of joint force, saying the community played an indispensable role.

“It takes an entire team to help produce the products,’’ said Meisler, who is also the Assistant Deputy Commanding General for the U.S. Army Reserve. “The right ammunition, the right vehicles, you name it.

“You wear it, you hold it,’’ he added of armed forces personnel, “it’s come through AMC, Army Materiel Command, and this community is the onus of that support.’’

The celebration continues tonight with the annual Community Softball Game at Toyota Field. A team from Redstone Arsenal will face the North Alabama Rockets, which features area community leaders. The Rockets won last year to break Redstone’s three-year winning streak and claim the Target Destroyed trophy.

Along with the game, the company or organization with the most fans in attendance will win the Grand Slam Spirit Award. Parking and admission are free and the first 500 people through the gates get a free hot dog.

“We’re eager for revenge,’’ Mohan said. “We want to win, so I won’t play, but I’ll be there.’’

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is offering free admission for veterans and active duty military with at least one paid admission through June 9, and some stores at Parkway Place mall are offering military discounts https://www.parkwayplacemall.com/deals.

For more events and links to tickets, visit https://hsvchamber.org/2025-armed-forces-celebration/