2026 Oyster Roast

The Hampton Roads Chapter of the American Logistics Association gathered at Red Wing Golf Course in Virginia Beach on Monday, October 19, 2026, for the Chuck Johnson Memorial Golf and Oyster Roast. Morning golf gave way to an afternoon of oysters, lunch, and conversation as colleagues and friends came together for this chapter tradition.

Guests enjoying lunch under the pavilion at the 2026 HR ALA Golf and Oyster Roast.
Gathering for lunch and conversation at Red Wing Golf Course.

Around the Tables at Red Wing

The oyster roast brought everyone together at the course’s open-air pavilion. Golfers joined lunch guests around tables decorated with fall flowers, sharing a meal and catching up with familiar faces. Between the course, the grill, and the lunch tables, there were plenty of opportunities to reconnect and enjoy the day.

Volunteers kept busy preparing and serving the food, while attendees settled in for lunch and conversation. The pavilion also featured a display of gift baskets, coolers, and other prizes, with participants gathering nearby for photos and a few laughs.

Volunteers at the lunch buffet at the 2026 HR ALA Golf and Oyster Roast.
Volunteers helping serve lunch at the oyster roast.

Held in memory of Chuck Johnson, the gathering reflected the friendships that connect our military resale community. The photos capture those moments—from the team at the grill and volunteers along the buffet to smiling groups around the pavilion.

Photos from the Day

Gathering beside the outdoor grill at the 2026 HR ALA Golf and Oyster Roast.
Gift baskets and prizes on display at the 2026 HR ALA Golf and Oyster Roast.
Lunch and conversation in the pavilion at the 2026 HR ALA Golf and Oyster Roast.
Participants gathered beside the prize table at the 2026 HR ALA Golf and Oyster Roast.
Golf participants at the pavilion at the 2026 HR ALA Golf and Oyster Roast.
Smiles during the pavilion gathering at the 2026 HR ALA Golf and Oyster Roast.
Three participants posing beside the prize table at the 2026 HR ALA Golf and Oyster Roast.
Three attendees sharing an outdoor selfie at the 2026 HR ALA Golf and Oyster Roast.
Three participants near the golf carts at the 2026 HR ALA Golf and Oyster Roast.
Two attendees posing outside the pavilion at the 2026 HR ALA Golf and Oyster Roast.

Thank You to Our Sponsors and Volunteers

Our thanks to this year’s sponsors: Purina, Alder, Elite, Mondelēz, SpartanNash/MDV, MPG, Del Monte, Edgewell, Pharmavite, Conagra, Eurpac, Sabra, and PepsiCo. Your support helped make the event possible.

We also appreciate the organizers and volunteers who took care of planning, setup, cooking, serving, and cleanup—and everyone who joined us for the day. We look forward to seeing you at the next HR ALA gathering.

HR-ALA Supports Military Families at the 2026 Military Family Festival

The Hampton Roads Chapter of the American Logistics Association joined community partners on October 25, 2026, for the Military Family Festival & Resource Fair at the Virginia Beach Convention Center.

Hosted by the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads, the Military Family Festival & Resource Fair brought military families together for an afternoon of activities, entertainment and information about resources available in our community. HR-ALA volunteers and partners were there to welcome families, share giveaways and highlight the commissary benefit.

Festival participants with the yellow M&M’s character beside the HR-ALA table.
Festival participants gather with a Mars character beside the HR-ALA table and Colgate van.

Working Together for Our Military Community

Our Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) partners from Oceana and Langley worked alongside us throughout the event. Together with volunteers and support from our suppliers and brokers, the team distributed:

  • 2,000 bags of candy to military children.
  • $700 in DeCA shopping gift cards.
  • Information and marketing materials from DeCA headquarters.
  • Purina giveaway items, BUILT protein bars and other donated samples.

We appreciate the candy suppliers, brokers and other contributors who helped stock the tables, along with everyone who gave their time to make the day possible.

Four participants behind a commissary table displaying drinks, giveaways and small pumpkins.
DeCA partners and participants at the commissary booth during the Military Family Festival.

A Day of Family Fun

Halloween costumes and character appearances added to the celebration. Mars and Purina characters joined the festivities, and the Colgate van was positioned beside our area.

Purina dog character beside a fall balloon arch at the Military Family Festival.
The Purina dog character joins the Military Family Festival festivities.

Congresswoman Jen Kiggans also stopped by our table and took a group photo with participants. Her October 28 Weekly Debrief included a photo from the visit and highlighted the festival’s role in connecting military families with community resources.

Six participants, including Congresswoman Jen Kiggans, pose beside the festival giveaway tables.
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans visits with participants at the HR-ALA table.

Thank You to Our Volunteers and Partners

Events like this depend on people working together. Thank you to our volunteers, our Oceana and Langley DeCA partners, the suppliers and brokers who contributed, and the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads for bringing the military community together.

HR-ALA is grateful for the opportunity to support the service members and families who call Hampton Roads home. We look forward to continuing that work through our chapter’s outreach efforts.

See our 2025 festival recap and explore more HR-ALA chapter updates. To learn about getting involved, contact our chapter.

2025 Christmas Assistance

Several of our HR ALA board members adopted 16 families consisting of a total of 39 children with $150 worth of toys and gifts per child.  The parents were also given $50 in gift cards to use for themselves.  The deliveries will begin on Wednesday, December 10 through Thursday, December 11th with our very own Santa, Mr. James Kite and his elves making bringing these gifts to seven different  participating commissaries: Portsmouth, NOB, Little Creek, Ft. Eustis, Langley, Oceana, and Ft. Lee.

A special “thank you” to Paul Wehner, Pam Waldin, and the individual board members that adopted 16 Military families in need and purchased gifts for them with their own personal money. Thank you to the Commissary Store Directors for supporting this initiative.  Also, to the Little Creek Commander, Captain David Lewis Gray, CMC Rivers for your attendance and to the Military Chaplains, as well for providing the families in need.  To our Santa, James Kite, and all the elves that contributed and donated their time to ensure the families received their gifts in time for Christmas; thank YOU.

This is the true spirit and meaning of the holidays: Generosity, love, kindness, and connection.

From the Officers and Board of Directors of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the ALA to ALL, Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!

Two women sitting beside Santa Claus in a festive store decorated for the holidays, with a large snowman and various gifts in the background.
A group of six people posing with Santa Claus in a festive store decorated for Christmas, featuring a large snowman decoration in the background.
A young girl in a pink sweater with reindeer designs smiles at Santa Claus, who is dressed in a traditional red suit. Two adults, one holding a child, are observing the interaction in a grocery store setting.
A group of four people posing together for a photo in a festive store. In the center, Santa Claus smiles while holding a wrapped gift. Two children stand on his left, one wearing a red sweatshirt and the other in a pink sweater, and an adult man in casual clothing stands on the right.
A group of five people posing together in a festive retail environment, featuring Santa Claus in a red suit, two children holding a wrapped gift, and two adults beside them, decorated for the holiday season.
A group of four people posing with Santa Claus in a festive store setting, decorated with Christmas items and American flags.
A woman and a man dressed in tan pants are joyfully posing with Santa Claus in a festive store environment filled with Christmas decorations and gifts.
A diverse group of people poses together for a holiday photo, featuring Santa Claus, a snowman decoration, and festive decorations in a store. Some individuals hold a gift box and a child is being held by one of the participants.
Two men posing with Santa Claus in a grocery store during the holiday season.
A person dressed as Santa Claus stands next to a pallet loaded with wrapped gifts and holiday decorations in a warehouse setting.
A festive display featuring cartoon characters and holiday decorations, including a Santa Claus figure, gingerbread man, and a snowman, surrounded by colorful poinsettias and wrapped gifts in a retail setting.
Two military personnel pose with Santa Claus in a festive setting decorated for the holidays, surrounded by wrapped gifts and holiday decorations.
A group of people posing for a photo with Santa Claus in a decorated retail space, featuring holiday-themed decorations.
A man dressed as Santa Claus gives a thumbs up in a festive grocery store display featuring holiday decorations and cartoon characters, including a large bunny and a Santa cutout.
A group of seven individuals posing together in a holiday-themed store, featuring a person dressed as Santa Claus in the center, surrounded by festive decorations and colorful holiday characters.
A Santa Claus figure interacts with a man in military uniform who is holding a young girl in a shopping cart, in a grocery store setting.
A festive scene in a store decorated for the holidays, featuring a woman in a red shirt handing a gift to a man in a military uniform, while a person dressed as Santa Claus stands nearby, and another man in a green holiday hat observes.
A group of four people posing with Santa Claus in a festive setting, decorated for the holidays, featuring holiday-themed decorations in the background.
A Santa Claus figure interacts with two store employees in a retail environment, surrounded by shelves of products, including energy drinks.
A man dressed as Santa Claus poses for a photo with another man in a grocery store aisle, surrounded by shelves of products.
A group of five people posing together in a grocery store during the holiday season, with a large Christmas tree and gifts in the background. The group includes a person in military uniform, Santa Claus, and three others, all smiling.
A military service member stands next to a woman holding a baby, both smiling in front of a Christmas tree. Santa Claus is seated beside them, surrounded by festive decorations and wrapped gifts.
A festive Christmas display in a store featuring a Christmas tree, Santa Claus seated among colorful wrapped gifts and holiday decorations, surrounded by poinsettias and a digital screen displaying a Merry Christmas message.
A Santa Claus character interacts with a young child in a grocery store aisle, while two adults look on. Shopping carts are filled with various grocery items.
A festive scene featuring Santa Claus seated next to colorful wrapped gifts and a red sleigh, with a decorated Christmas tree in the background.
A family poses with Santa Claus beside a cart filled with holiday gifts and baby supplies.
A young boy sitting on Santa Claus's lap in a festive setting with a red sleigh and a decorated Christmas tree in the background.
A man dressed as Santa Claus with a white beard and red outfit standing next to a military officer in uniform, both smiling.
A festive group of people in Christmas attire, including Santa Claus, a gingerbread man costume, and others wearing holiday-themed outfits, stand together behind a table decorated for the holidays.
A group of people including military personnel and Santa Claus poses together in a festive setting with a Christmas tree and wrapped gifts.
A group of four individuals, including Santa Claus, standing in front of a Christmas tree. They are surrounded by boxes and gift bags full of holiday presents.
A festive room decorated with colorful Christmas lights and a tree. Santa Claus is sitting on a chair with a child on his lap, surrounded by holiday decorations.
A festive scene featuring Santa Claus sitting in a chair with a young girl on his lap, surrounded by Christmas decorations including a brightly lit tree and colorful lights in the room.

2025 HR ALA Christmas Luncheon

The 2025 Hampton Roads ALA Luncheon, held at the beautiful downtown Suffolk Hilton Hotel proved to be another amazing event.  Our gracious host, Ms. Tommie Draper once again, did not disappoint. The luncheon, a 30-year annual tradition was filled with laughter, reflection, celebration, and unity.  It was wonderful seeing and talking to long time colleagues and friends again.  It never ceases to amaze one on how quickly time flies. 

At the luncheon, we gathered  to celebrate all the hard work, fun, and to appreciate the ability of coming together to be involved in honoring and supporting our Military heroes and their families. Afterwards, Ms. Tommie donated the lunches including the desserts of the HR ALA board members that could not attend due to the weather to the local Salvation Army.

For those who braved the weather, we were able to slow time down, if for only an hour or two and enjoy each other’s company while feasting on a wonderful meal.  We were able to see and feel that invisible thread that keeps us together; INVOLVEMENT. It’s more than just showing up, it’s about showing up with a purpose.

This annual event is held to show appreciation to the HR Board, Industry, and the Military Agencies.  It also allows us to donate one last time towards the HR ALA annual Military Christmas assistance event. 

From the Officers and Board of Directors of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the ALA to ALL, Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year!

A group of five people seated around a decorated dining table enjoying a meal, with festive decorations and drinks. There are gift items displayed in the background.
Three men sitting together at a dining table decorated for a festive event, with dishes of food and drinks in front of them. They are smiling and engaging in conversation.
A plated meal featuring a breaded fish fillet on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, served with steamed broccoli and green beans, accompanied by various glasses of drinks and a festive table setting.
A slice of cheesecake topped with a strawberry and drizzled with strawberry sauce, accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream, on a white plate.
Two men sitting at a dining table with plates of food, drinks, and decorative items.
A smiling older man holding a large Hershey's milk chocolate bar while seated at a table in a banquet setting.
Three women smiling and sitting together at a holiday table, surrounded by festive decorations and food.
A man in a suit and glasses and a woman with wavy hair smile for the camera while sitting at a dining table with a salad in front of them.
A festive dining table set with holiday decorations, including a centerpiece of red poinsettias and candy canes. Three people are seated at the table, enjoying food and drinks during a holiday gathering.
Group of four people seated at a festive dining table decorated with poinsettias and holiday decor. The table includes glasses, plates of food, and holiday-themed elements.
Two people dining at a festive table, one wearing a red sweater and the other in a gray jacket, enjoying a meal with decorative items in the background.
Three people seated at a table during a festive meal, with dishes of salad and drinks in front of them. The setting features holiday decorations and a cozy atmosphere.
A smiling man in a suit holding two objects while standing on a carpeted floor, with a woman in the background appearing to prepare something at a table.
An elderly woman wearing a blue sweater with snowflake designs stands at a clear podium, speaking to an audience in a decorated room.
Two men engaged in conversation at a social event, standing near a decorated table with dining settings.
A woman in a red sweater holds a Hershey's milk chocolate sign at an event, with gift bags and toys displayed on tables in the background.

2025 ASYMCA Fall Family Festival

On October 26, 2025, our team proudly joined the Military Family Fall Festival & Resource Fair at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, hosted by the Armed Services YMCA of Hampton Roads. We set up a booth to engage with local military families—sharing information, offering a friendly face, and celebrating the vibrant community that makes Hampton Roads so special. It was a pleasure to support this free-day event filled with fun, games, crafts and resources, and to connect with families who serve or support our military community. We’re grateful for the opportunity and look forward to being part of this meaningful tradition again!

Navy Mid-Atlantic Culinary Competition

On April 3rd Paul Wehner, Treasurer HR ALA, participated in an outreach event at NAS Oceana. Oceana hosted the Mid-Atlantic Culinary Competition and our team was able help get the message out of the benefit of shopping the commissaries. We were also able to give out some commissary gift cards thanks to our support from our numerous sponsors.

Paul Wehner at the DeCA Outreach Table
Contestants Cooking
Getting the final touches
Judges Table
Judges Table
Award presentation for Oceana Commissary

DOD Commissary Outreach

The Defense Commissary Agency recently announced a pilot program that would allow DOD civilians to shop in 16 stateside commissary stores.

Our team wanted to make sure the word got out about the great savings that can be had at the local Hampton Roads Commissaries. Therefore we went to different civilian workplace locations to hand out commissary gift cards that were generously donated by our sponsor companies.

Sponsors
Outreach at Wadsworth Housing
Outreach at Dam Neck
Suffolk DOD
Norfolk Naval Food Court
Little Creek Food Court
Little Creek
Hooper Hall Dam Neck