The Chamber's Annual Military Appreciation Banquet is an evening that honors the military personnel from Interior Alaska who have been awarded for their excellence, leadership, and commitment in service to our armed forces. The Banquet is a great way for our community to show our gratitude and support for our friends in uniform.


The banquet began over 40 years ago when Jim and Rosemary Messer began having dinner parties in their home for their friends in the military. Many Fairbanksans followed Jim and Rosemary’s lead and for six years the "dinner-in-the-home" format grew and prospered.  The event became so popular that it had to be moved to a large banquet facility and, for the past several years, at the Carlson Center.

Jim Messer was the Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee for the Fairbanks Chamber for many years and, for decades, he was on the front lines of our community’s efforts to offer the military an environment of friendliness, first-class housing, and a quality of life second to none.

During the banquet individuals who have exhibited distinguished service to the military and to our country are recognized during an awards ceremony.  Additionally, the Messer Award is also awarded and presented to a member of the community who best promoted military/community relations throughout that year.  Jim Messer was the very first recipient of this award in 1994.

Past Messer Award Recipients

Jim Messer - 1994
Frank Chapados - 1995
Dr. William R. Wood - 1996
Gary Wilken - 1997
Chick Wallace - 1998
Richard Wien - 1999
Steve Lundgren - 2000
Karen Washburn Milam - 2001
Rhonda Boyles - 2002
Senator Ted Stevens - 2003
Bill Brophy - 2004
Billie Blanchard - 2005
Jim Dodson - 2006
Steve Thompson - 2007

Butch Stein - 2008
Sen. Lisa Murkowski - 2009
Althea St. Martin - 2010
Lisa Herbert - 2011
Kevin Robinson - 2012
Doug Isaacson - 2013
Luke Hopkins - 2014