Representatives from the Greater Fayetteville Chamber, City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County came together Tuesday morning to celebrate longtime Fayetteville resident George Breece for his contributions to the community.
In a surprise ceremony opening up the Chamber's 2022 Annual Awards, Breece was bestowed the first ever George W. Breece Lifetime Achievement Award by the Chamber – a legacy award that will be offered in the future to those who commit to the betterment of the community following the example of Breece’s lasting impact.
“I knew something was up when my wife, Dena, walked into the room, and she slipped me a tie,” laughed Breece. “She gave me a hug and kiss and told me to put it on.”
Breece was recognized for his civic involvement in Cumberland County, Fort Bragg and Fayetteville area that spans over five decades.
Breece’s achievements include active military service during the Vietnam War, serving in the North Carolina House of Representatives, founding the National Association for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics, as well as serving on a number of local boards and committees as both a member and chairman.
“It’s humbling, and when I accepted the award, I said, ‘I accept this on behalf of anyone who has volunteered in this community,’” said Breece. “You know, so many people do so many good things, and they never get recognized. And what’s important in life is that when you do good, you don’t look for recognition, you don’t seek it. You just do what you’ve got to do.”
Along with receiving the initial Lifetime Achievement Award in his name, Breece also had two days named in his honor by both the City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County. City Councilman Johnny Dawkins and Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Chairman Glenn Adams both presented official proclamations marking both July 20 and Aug. 23 George Breece Day by both the County and the City respectively.
“It’s the highest honor of my civic career, my civic life. I’ve spent decades trying to make Fayetteville and Cumberland County a better place for all. I’ve always been willing to roll up my sleeves and work with others. Everything is a team effort. There's no ‘I’ in the word ‘team,’” said Breece.
Breece is also the recipient of other awards acknowledging his mark on the community including the Cumberland County Cares Award, Fort Bragg Good Neighbor Award, and the Army’s Patriotic Civilian Service Award.“It’s not only humbling – I’m just very appreciative, and I’m blessed. I’ve got the best wife in the world who helps me everyday, and so I’m so thankful to receive this, but I receive it on behalf of all of those who have done good in this community.”
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