John Seitz has wrapped up a six-and-a-half year stint as the Military Affairs Council Director in Junction City.

He was honored during a ceremony at the Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, calling his work as MAC Director for the Chamber a labor of love. “I love working with soldiers and their families. The commanders that showed up down here today are a reflection of the kind of relationship we’ve built over time. It’s been fun.”

Seitz was initially asked to serve as MAC Director by county commissioner and former MAC Board Chairman Ben Bennett during a time when there was no funding to pay a director. Seitz worked without a salary for the first 14 months.  He loved the job. ” Absolutely. Sometimes I didn’t like greeting Soldiers coming in or departing in the middle of the night, but I made it through all that stuff.  It’s a great feeling to know that people care about what you do.”

Bennett credited Seitz with saving the Military Affairs Council operation. “It was just one of those things that we needed some help, we needed somebody that had an interest, and we didn’t have any money so we had to find somebody that was willing to do it.”  Bennett added he told Seitz they needed help, and someone to maintain  the flow of camaraderie and information.

Seitz said having a representative from the Chamber as a military affairs representative is a fulltime job and it takes a lot of personal commitment. “You have to get to know the people at Fort Riley, because when you do get to know you’ll find out what their needs are and then you can help them solve their problems or fulfill their dreams. That’s what it’s all about.”

The ceremony was held in conjunction with the Chamber’s Jingle Mingle holiday event on Wednesday.