HARTFORD, Conn. –
The Connecticut National Guard hosted the “Our Community Salutes” high school enlistee recognition ceremony at the Gov. William A. O’Neill State Armory, here, May 18, 2023.
Our Community Salutes is a national, non-profit organization that helps communities recognize, honor, and support high school seniors who plan to enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces following graduation.
The event honored more than 98 high school seniors who’ve made the commitment to serve our nation as a member of either the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard, or National Guard.
“Now, more than ever, we rely on young men and women to raise their right hand and be part of something larger than themselves,” said Maj. Gen. Francis Evon, adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard. “We need brave young Americans to volunteer to serve our nation and do their part to preserve the freedom we have come to enjoy for the next generation and generations to come.”
The event featured special guests, Brig. Gen. (ret.) Ron Welch, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, Charlene Russell-Tucker, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Education, Command Master Chief Gary Stephenson, the senior enlisted advisor for Subbase New London, and Anthony Nolan, Connecticut state representative from the 39th District.
OCS was founded in 2009 by former U.S. Army officer, Dr. Kenneth Hartman, to provide enlistees and their parents with guidance, information, resources, and community support from like-minded enlistees and parents as their child transitions into military service.
To learn more about OCS, visit their website at www.ourcommunitysalutes.org