Military Relations Council Service Awards Luncheon

The Greater Topeka Chamber’s Military Relations Council (MRC) will host its Military Relations Council Service Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dillon House, recognizing exceptional service members and civilians who support the military community throughout the Topeka region.

The event is made possible through the support of the Military Relations Council’s sponsors: Security Benefit, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Kendall Construction and INTRUST Bank. Their investment supports the MRC’s year-round work to strengthen relationships between the Topeka business community and the military organizations, service members, and families who serve the region.

“Military service is deeply woven into the fabric of our region, and this luncheon gives our business community an opportunity to say thank you in a meaningful way,” said Bob Ross, president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. “We’re also fortunate to have business partners who understand the importance of that relationship and invest in the MRC’s work throughout the year. Together, we want to make sure exceptional service is seen, celebrated and appreciated.”

The luncheon will honor individuals representing Fort Riley, the Kansas Army National Guard, the U.S. Army Reserve, the U.S. Coast Guard and the 190th Air Refueling Wing.

Each participating military organization will be invited to recognize three individuals who demonstrated exceptional service during 2026: one junior enlisted service member, one officer, and one civilian supporter. Up to 15 individuals will be honored during the luncheon.

“The Military Relations Council exists to build lasting relationships between our community and the men and women who serve,” said Curtis Sneden, chair of the Military Relations Council. “This event gives us an opportunity to recognize outstanding people across ranks and roles, while also celebrating the civilians whose work helps support military readiness, military families and the broader mission.”

Each honoree will be formally recognized during the luncheon and presented with a Military Relations Council certificate recognizing their service. The program will also feature a keynote address from a regional military leader.

The luncheon is intended not only to recognize individual achievement but also to highlight the significant military presence in the Topeka region and strengthen connections between military organizations and the local business community.

“The military-community relationship is one of Topeka’s great strengths,” Ross said. “Whether someone serves in uniform, supports the mission as a civilian or is part of a local organization that stands behind our military families, they contribute to the strength of our entire region. This luncheon is about recognizing that service.”

Tickets for the luncheon are $20 per person and are available here: https://events.topekapartnership.com/5Y1d0nc7/5a18VvuvOTe

Event Details
Military Relations Council Service Awards Luncheon
Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Dillon House, 404 SW 9th St, Topeka, KS 66612
Tickets: $20 per person
Tickets can be purchased here: https://events.topekapartnership.com/5Y1d0nc7/5a18VvuvOTe