SAN ANTONIO – More than 750 future service members, their families, educators, business leaders and the military gathered at the McCombs Center of the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) to participate in the 4th Annual “A Night in Your Honor” sponsored by Our Community Salutes-San Antonio (OCS).
The program began with a welcome by Dr. Cyndi Porter, president of OCS-San Antonio, who introduced her husband, Vincent Porter, dean, School of Extended Studies for UIW, who served as master of ceremonies.
The presentation of colors was conducted by the University of Texas-San Antonio’s Reserve Officers' Training Corps Color Guard and the national anthem was sung by Sonar Technician (Surface) Petty Officer 2nd Class Judd Latimer, a recruiter with Navy Recruiting District San Antonio.
After the invocation and dinner, Retired Rear Adm. Dr. Bob Kiser, a UIW professor and speaker of the occasion, took to the podium.
“This evening, we are surrounded by young men and women who have answered the call for service. Not a call about self, not a call about it’s me, not a call about focus on me but a focus on the community. That is pretty extraordinary and that sort of perspective does not arise spontaneous.”
After a round of applause, the 2015 Colin Powell Award was presented to Elsa Salas-Cruz of O’Connor High School by the previous winner, Diana Gonzalez of Judson High School.
After Salas-Cruz’s presentation, representatives from each military service presented OCS certificates to each of their respective honorees. Additionally, each future service member was presented with their first challenge coin, sponsored by USAA.
Rear Adm. Rebecca McCormick-Boyle, commander, Navy Medicine Education and Training Command, served as the senior Navy representative.
“It was my distinct honor and pleasure to award certificates to the future Sailors who have made the decision to join and serve in America’s Navy,” said McCormick-Boyle, who also serves as director, Navy Nurse Corps. “These young men and women crossed the stage with such enthusiasm, such excitement and strength, with smiles on their faces as they accepted their certificates and their first challenge coin. I wish them fair winds and following seas as they launch their naval careers.”
Our Community Salutes is a nonprofit organization created in 2009 by Dr. Kenneth E. Hartman to recognize an 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.