Photo By Cynthia Stephenson | Future Soldiers assigned to the Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion pose for group photo...... read more read more
NEW CUMBERLAND, Pa. — Future service members from across the armed forces gathered at the inaugural Central Pennsylvania Military Signing Day at Carlisle Barracks, recognizing high school graduates who made the decision to serve their country after graduation.
The event brought together Future Soldiers, poolees, seaman recruits, guardians and Air Force recruits alongside their families, recruiters and military leaders from across Pennsylvania. Recruiters and Future Soldiers from the Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion joined future service members from every branch for a ceremony centered on service, unity and commitment to the nation.
Hosted in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the event featured informational tables where recruits and families could learn more about military life, available support resources through the United Service Organization (USO), and opportunities to speak with Army chaplains about faith and military service. Light refreshments and open conversations created a relaxed environment where recruits could connect not only with their own branch, but with others preparing to take the same oath.
Lt. Col. Torsten Gojowsky, Carlisle Barracks Garrison Commander, Capt. Geno Dawson, Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg/Philadelphia/Naval Yard Annex Commanding Officer, Col. Lacresha Merkle, Commander of the United States Air Force 360th Recruiting Group, and Mr. Stephen Simmons, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Military Community and Family Policy, addressed attendees during the ceremony. Pennsylvania state and defense leaders also attended in support of the future service members and their families.
While each recruit will soon wear a different uniform, the ceremony emphasized a mission larger than any one branch. Future Soldiers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with future Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Guardians, all gathered for one purpose: to serve the United States of America.
“Yes. All the recruits came from different walks of life, but regardless of what branch they chose to raise their right hand for, they all made the selfless choice to serve the people of the United States of America,” said Staff Sgt. Cristian Rosado, assigned to Harrisburg Recruiting Battalion.
Throughout the event, recruiters and future service members mingled freely, reinforcing the idea that while every branch carries its own mission and traditions, they ultimately operate as one team defending the same nation.
“Watching the oath of enlistment ceremony, I had a sense of overwhelming pride seeing individuals go into the Marines with extreme professionalism,” said Sgt. Dillon Orren, Marine recruiter. “As a recruiter in the United States Marine Corps, it fills my heart with joy seeing these individuals achieve a goal they set forth for themselves and become a better version of who they were before.”
As recruits raised their right hand and repeated the oath of enlistment, the ceremony symbolized more than the beginning of military careers. It represented a shared promise to support and defend the Constitution, protect fellow Americans and stand alongside one another in service to the country.
| Date Taken: | 05.15.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 05.18.2026 09:40 |
| Story ID: | 565409 |
| Location: | NEW CUMBERLAND, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 165 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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