FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 4, 2024
Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s Military Affairs Council Hosts First MAC Range Day
Raising Funds for Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation
Fayetteville, NC – Over 75 supporters joined the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s Military Affairs Council (MAC) inaugural Range Day on Thursday, Oct 3, at The Range Complex in Autryville, NC.
The event held in honor of the 31st Anniversary of the Battle of Mogadishu raised $1,778 for the Airborne and Special Operations Museum(ASOM) Foundation, with a formal check presentation set for 2 p.m. on Nov 7 at 100 Bragg Blvd, Fayetteville, NC, open to the public.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from MAC Chair Nicole Winget, followed by an introduction of the guest speaker Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Stephen DeLellis by MAC member Colonel (Ret.) Rob Patton. DeLellis, a Battle of Mogadishu task force member, recounted the phone call he received from former ASOM curator Nicole Suarez informing him of the arrival of wreckage from Super 61—the first helicopter downed during the battle, later to be known as Black Hawk Down. He also reflected on the events of that historic battle, honoring the fallen and injured. This was followed by a moving rendition of Amazing Grace and a solemn moment of silence.
After the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a rifle and pistol competition and a fun day of shooting, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Fayetteville, Texas Roadhouse and Coldwell Banker Advantage. A controlled location supervised full-auto shoot was also available for those interested.
“The MAC range day was a wonderful way to bring the business and military communities together in a way that allowed for networking, honoring an important part of our military history, and having some fun while we were at it,” MAC Chair Nicole Winget said.
Renee Lane, executive director of the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation, said they were grateful to be the nonprofit partner on the first-ever MAC Range Day.
“Hosting MAC Range Day on Oct 3 was a powerful reminder of the 18 soldiers who sacrificed their lives and the many others injured during the Battle of Mogadishu. Their courage in the face of adversity will not be forgotten,” Lane said.
For more information about the Greater Fayetteville Chamber’s Military Affairs Council, visit faybiz.com
For over 50 years, Greater Fayetteville Chamber Military Affairs Council has offered a unique opportunity to connect with Fort Liberty and Pope Army Airfield leaders, participate with impactful programs, and strengthen ties with our military community. We proudly support all military personnel and civilian employees stationed at Fort Liberty.
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Greater Fayetteville Chamber serves as a catalyst in growing a healthy business community through our advocacy of business friendly public policy, fostering of diverse innovative business initiatives, and delivering valuable programs and services to our members — made possible through strong collaborative partnerships.
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