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Join the Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Veterans Business Council for the inaugural ROTC Breakfast: A Salute to Lakeland's ROTC and JROTC Instructors to celebrate their leadership and mentorship.ROTC programs are built for character development, leadership, and civic education - skills that are desirable in both military and civilian careers.
Lakeland’s dedicated ROTC and JROTC Instructors impact the lives of students every day and inspire their school communities as leaders. Join the salute to these incredible leaders on November 10, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.
Keynote speaker: Terry G. Coney, Lakeland City Commissioner
Terry is a proud son of Lakeland. He attended Polk County Public Schools and graduated from Rochelle High School in 1968. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Florida A&M University and a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Terry is a 22-year veteran of the United States Air Force, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In 2014, Terry returned to his hometown of Lakeland. Since his return, he has taken on a leadership role at First Baptist Institutional Church, where he currently serves as Lead Trustee. Terry has volunteered extensively on boards and committees at both the City and Polk County levels. He is a former President of the NAACP Lakeland Branch. In 2021, he served on the Community Superintendent Search Advisory Committee for Polk County Public Schools, and in 2022, he was appointed to the Polk County Public Schools Book Review Committee. He also served on the Polk County Board of County Commissioners’ Community Relations Advisory Council and was a member of the Platform Art Board of Directors for three years. Terry currently serves as Chairman of the Polk County Public Schools Academic Boundary Committee.
In 2024, Terry served as Vice-Chair of the City of Lakeland Charter Review Board. He also served four years on the City’s Community Redevelopment Advisory Board, including his final two years as Chairman.
Additional Honorees Include:
• Dr. Torrez L. Grace, Major (Ret.), USAF, Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, FL-092 - Kathleen Senior High School / Central Florida Aerospace Academy
• Dr. José R. Quezada, Captain, USMC (ret.), Leadership & Innovation (Ed.D.), Leadership Specialist (M.A.), Political Science (M.A.), Business Management (M.A.), International Relations (M.A.), International Affairs (B.A.) Senior Marine Instructor, Marine Corps Leadership Academy (JROTC) - Lake Region High School
• Captain Douglas Walker - Auburndale High School
• LTC (R) Michael W. Harris Lieutenant Colonel Michael W. Harris
• David Ulch - Summerlin Academy
Date: November 10, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr.
Register here: https://bit.ly/4gE6hiu
Thank you to Patron Sponsors, Suncoast Credit Union and Stahl & Associates Insurance, a Higginbotham Partner; and Saluting Sponsors, Pristine Remodeling & Boley Insurance/Lakeland Local GEICO Office.
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First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland, Florida, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801-5673, United States
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