One of the top military commanders in Iraq will speak in Pine-hurst Friday at a Moore County Chamber of Commerce event.

Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of the 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, will address business leaders and others at the Chamber's State of Military Affairs luncheon at the Pinehurst Member's Club.

"Having Gen. Austin here to help us kick off this effort is a huge honor," said Patrick Coughlin, Chamber president and CEO.

Austin has recently returned from Iraq, where he was commander of the Multi-National Task Corps -- Iraq, with all 150,000-plus troops in that country under his command during some of the war's most critical circumstances.

He will provide a firsthand account of current military actions in the Middle East and an update on how U.S. troops make an impact in local communities.

After the successful surge of 2007-'08, Gen. David Petraeus described Austin's leadership as "calm, courageous, decisive and resolute even in some very difficult situations."

Retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Dordal, executive director of the BRAC Regional Task Force, will also speak at the luncheon.

In response to the community and the growth occurring at Fort Bragg, the Chamber has established a Military Affairs Division, through which it plans to facilitate and expand the community's relationship with Fort Bragg.

The Chamber also plans to provide opportunities for businesses to support our troops and, in turn, grow their businesses.

Those wishing to register for the State of Military Affairs luncheon can contact the Moore County Chamber at 692-3926 or visit www.moorecountychamber. com.

Contact John Krahnert III at 693-2473 or by e-mail at jkrahnert@thepilot.com.