JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii – The Our Community Salutes (OCS) of Hawaii honored graduating high school seniors who enlisted into the Armed Forces, during a recognition ceremony held on Ford Island, May 17.
The purpose of the event is to recognize the brave young men and women who decided to step up to the challenge to serve the Nation after completing high school.
Command Sgt. Maj. Finis A. Dodson, the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command’s command sergeant major, served as one of the guest speakers during the event and offered the new enlistees a few words of wisdom.
“By preparing to raise your hand to enter into the all-volunteer force, you have separated yourself from your peers, and without even knowing it, you are making a statement to them, a statement that says ‘I am the best,’” shares Dodson.
Dodson also offered advice on the education benefits that the military offers.
“By joining the military you have the opportunity to capitalize and take advantage of the educational benefits, like tuition assistance and the G.I Bill. These days college is expensive, and you have the opportunity to go to college on the military’s dime, I beg you not to waste it.”
The ceremony concluded with a representative from each branch of service presenting their branch’s respective new enlistees with a coin and certificate of appreciation from the Our Community Salutes (OCS) of Hawaii organization.
“The coin and certificate was given to extend the spirit of Aloha and Mahalo to the courageous and patriotic young adults and their families as they join the one percent of Americans who serve in uniform,” said Erica Rhea, Our Community Salutes (OCS) of Hawaii president.
Dodson concluded his remarks with a quote on leadership for the future service members from sergeant major of the Army, Sgt. Maj. Daniel Dailey.
“Sgt. Maj. of the Army Daniel Daily stated ‘Leadership is not born, it’s built. During your military career you are going to encounter many different styles of leadership that will shape and form you into future NCOs, officers and warrant officers that will help you develop and infect change for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines of tomorrow’s generation. Soak up all the knowledge that you can from the leadership that you will encounter, and use that to build and develop the leader that you are destined to be.”
| Date Taken: | 05.17.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.28.2015 01:48 |
| Story ID: | 164761 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 21 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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