A national organization that provides emergency assistance and morale to U.S. troops, the families they leave behind, and to wounded warriors when they return will have awarded the Florida Chapter the Outstanding Chapter of the year, singling out former mayor John Fogg and Susan Story, Gulf Power president and CEO for the part they played in helping spread Operation Homefront throughout the state.

In just seven months, the Florida chapter helped assemble a board of directors consisting of the mayors of Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Tallahassee, Jacksonville and Boynton Beach, as well as Bobby Bowden, football coach for Florida State University.

“The effort really started right in Pensacola,” said Chad Ragland, chairman of the board of Operation Homefront. “We’re now fully operational. Our service members and their families deserve strong support statewide, and need someone they can rely on for support in times of emergency.”

Operation Homefront provides aid to families struggling with emergencies and the problems of everyday life. From food and vehicle and home repairs to financial assistance and furniture, Operation Homefront has provided critical assistance to more than 65,000 military families in need.

“Pensacola loves its military — it’s a huge part of who we are,” said Story. “Operation Homefront helps us support them in their greatest times of need.”

A small ceremony will be held at Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola on Tuesday, May 26 at 11 a.m.