Our Community Salutes-San Antonio hosts Virtual Salute to Future Service Members

Photo By Burrell Parmer | SAN ANTONIO – (June 17, 2020) Alyssa Lindquist, a 2020 graduate of Samuel Clemens High School, was one of more than 200 students honored during the 9th Annual A Night in Your Honor Ceremony hosted by Our Community Salutes San Antonio (OCS-SA). Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect many in Military City USA, it did not deter OCS-SA) from hosting the event virtually. OCS is a non-profit organization created in 2009 to recognize and honor local graduating high school seniors who plan to enlist in the military after high school graduation. OCS also provides future service members and their families with access to educational resources and connects them with military support groups. (Graphic courtesy of Our Community Salutes San Antonio)  

SAN ANTONIO, TX, UNITED STATES

06.17.2020

Story by Burrell Parmer 

Commander, Navy Recruiting Command

SAN ANTONIO – (June 17, 2020) Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect many in Military City USA, it did not deter Our Community Salutes San Antonio (OCS-SA) from hosting its 9th Annual A Night in Your Honor through virtual means.

More than 200 local high school students graduating this year from San Antonio-area high schools received recognition. They represented the range of military services to include the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Air National Guard and Texas Army National Guard.

“This unique event is often the only recognition these graduates and their families receive for choosing selfless military service as their chosen profession,” said. Dr. Cyndi Porter, president of OCS-SA. “It allows Military City USA to be the first to say ‘Thank You for Your Service.’”

The virtual event highlighted honorees individually and contained special messages from senior leaders throughout Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA), the San Antonio community, businesses and civic leaders, and various military and veteran support organizations.

According to Air Force Brig. Gen. Laura Lenderman, JBSA commander, who was joined by Command Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Lantagne, JBSA senior enlisted leader, the honorees made a very important decision to join the military making them part of the one percent who serve.

“Together we are stronger and we need your unique perspectives and your commitment to fight and win our nation’s wars,” said Lenderman via video message. “Most importantly, we salute you.”

Gift boxes were mailed previously to each honoree packed with meaningful items such as a “First to Say Thank You” certificate of honor, branch-specific embroidered stole, a USAA sponsored OCS San Antonio challenge coin, and mementos from sponsors including a box of Girl Scout cookies.

In addition to honoring high school graduates, the General Colin L. Powell Award for Supporting Military Service Opportunities was presented to Alissa Pérez Karen a college counselor with Wagner High School College.

OCS is a non-profit organization created in 2009 to recognize and honor local graduating high school seniors who plan to enlist in the military after high school graduation. OCS also provides future service members and their families with access to educational resources and connects them with military support groups.

Initially beginning as one ceremony in southern New Jersey in 2009, OCS ceremonies have spread across the nation. The ceremonies are planned and executed by volunteers, including military veterans, high school and college educators, local businesses, community leaders, and active duty military personnel.

The event can be viewed in its entirety at https://OurCommunitySalutesSA.org/.

• Date Taken: 06.17.2020
• Date Posted: 06.18.2020 16:39
• Story ID: 372410
• Location: SAN ANTONIO, TX, US