Detroit Regional Chamber > Chamber > Talking Michigan and Police Escorts at the Pentagon

Talking Michigan and Police Escorts at the Pentagon

July 23, 2012
By: Tammy Carnrike

Chamber COO Tammy Carnrike participated in the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC), a program sponsored by the Secretary of Defense for civilian public opinion leaders interested in growing their knowledge of the military and national defense issues. JCOC is the oldest existing Department of Defense outreach program having been held more than 81 times since its inception in 1948. Tammy spent five days in the Western U.S. visiting each branch of the U.S. military and learning about the readiness of the armed forces and our nation’s defense policies.

This morning started at 6 a.m. with a quick breakfast. Then, we were off to the Pentagon. We received a police escort from the hotel into the Pentagon and were met by members of the Honor Guard representing Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. I don’t believe I’ve ever had a police escort – pretty cool!

We received three hours of briefing on the structure of the Department of Defense, various defense policies and the strategic planning and operations that go into protecting our nation. Everywhere I turn Michigan is always with me!In my group is an entrepreneur from New Jersey who is a Leadership Detroit graduate. Today, our briefing was kicked off with a video produced in cooperation between Kid Rock and the Department of Defense – some of you may know the song, “Warrior.” The song and the video is a very moving recognition of the importance of our men and women in uniform and the role they play.

Further into the briefing, we heard from the director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff who immediately showed his pride in the Detroit Tigers being in first place in their division after sweeping the White Sox this weekend. In meeting my fellow participants, I’ve been talking about the great things happening in Detroit and Michigan, and have already made a connection for a business attraction opportunity for the Chamber’s Maureen Krauss.

We’re now on our way to Andrew Air Force Base to be loaded onto a C-17 for our first destination – and it’s going to be hot!

Stay tuned!