April 20, 2022 |Stephanie Patrick |SMUbubblelife.com
Local high school students making the decision to pursue careers in the U.S. Armed Forces might not experience much fanfare at the time they enlist. However, members of a local military-focused nonprofits are committed to recognizing their choices and providing vital support to new enlistees and their families.
Our Community Salutes (OCS) DFWwill honor future soldiers with an in-person ceremony 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Tues., May 10, in Richardson (The Heights Church, 201 W. Renner Road).
Scott Murray, chairman and CEO of Dallas-based Murray Media, will serve as master of ceremonies.
Unlike students headed into military academies, winning military scholarships or those involved in programs such as ROTC, there aren’t local recognition ceremonies for new enlistees in the U.S. Armed Forces. OCS, which began in New Jersey nearly 15 years ago, held its first events in Dallas-Fort Worth last year, honoring more than 200 enlistees and their families.
What it means to say ‘Thank you’
During local ceremonies, Richardson-based OCS DFW will thank new enlistees by presenting each a certificate and a challenge coin. Challenge coins, given to service members, often feature an emblem or insignia, indicating they are members of a unit or served on a specific tour of duty. A part of military culture for many years challenge coins are designed to boost morale, identify allegiance and extend appreciation to service members.
The ceremony will feature community leaders, government officials, educators, businesspeople and veterans who believe in the organization’s mission. Featured guests include:
“Everyone involved with OCS DFW considers it an honor to recognize Dallas-Fort Worth’s next generation of enlistees,” said retired Army Col. Richard Kaniss of Richardson, chairman of OCS DFW’s board of directors. “I encourage the public to join in the celebration of congratulations of these fine patriots.”
There’s no charge to for students to participate, but registration is required at https://ocsdfwtx.org. The ceremony is for future soldiers residing in Dallas, Richardson, Plano and other communities on the east side of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Donations are welcome.
Credit Union of Texas will host a food truck from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Another ceremony is 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Mon., May 9, at I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA, 1411 I.M. Terrell Circle South, Fort Worth. Future soldiers residing in Fort Worth, Arlington and other west side communities are welcome to participate, but registration is required at https://ocsdfwtx.org. There is no charge.
Dress for both events is casual.
Students from both Dallas Independent School District and Richardson Independent School District will participate. Also honored will be students of these school districts:
Students from more school districts could be added.
DIRECTIONShttps://tinyurl.com/The-Heights-Church