Presidential helicopter pilot speaking at association banquet

RED OAK —  The Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association will celebrate the events and activities of 2011 during their Annual Awards Night ceremony, on Thursday, Feb. 2, at the Red Coach Inn and Restaurant.  

The Annual Awards Night celebration is held each year to honor those who made significant contribution to the Association and to the community of Red Oak, throughout the previous year.  Honors presented include Community Betterment Awards, Volunteer Awards and recognition of those outgoing board members of the Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association.  

This year’s program will include a keynote speech given by Elliot native, Captain Nicholas Turner.  

After a rigorous background check and screening process, Turner was selected to serve with the Marine Helicopter Squadron One, which is the only squadron responsible for the transportation of the President of the United States, Vice President, cabinet members and other VIP’s.  

Turners’ current job as a White House Liaison Officer has him out of the cockpit planning and coordinating the logistics of the squadron as they prepare for the President to arrive at an event site either in the continental United States or worldwide.    

The ceremony will also feature a photo display of the previous year’s events, an introduction of the 2012 Association Officers, Board of Directors and Association staff.  Also, the passing of the gavel from the 2011 Board President, Larry Barnett, to the 2012 Association Board President, Allen Pohren.

Tickets for this year’s festivities, which begins at 5:30 p.m., are available at the Association’s office at 307 East Reed Street in Red Oak, for $25 per person.

The evening will also include a raffle.