Legionnaires, Prince Hall Shriners participate in Annual Recognition Ceremony for Future Service Members
SAN ANTONIO – (May 18, 2022) More than 230 high school students graduating this year from Bexar County and surrounding area high schools were honored during the 11th Annual “A Night in Your Honor” hosted by Our Community Salutes San Antonio (OCS-SA) at Pedrotti’s Ranch.
The students represented the range of military services to include the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and Texas Army National Guard.
The keynote speaker was Maj. Gen. John. Wilcox, commander, Air Force Installations and Mission Support Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Air Force Base.
“This is a great honor to be here to welcome our soon to be newest members in the armed forces,” said Wilcox. “There is no other organization in America today that can bring someone from Maine, Florida, Texas, and Kansas together into a team to do the great things that you do every day. And you will do it for your friends sitting in the truck, foxhole, and on the ship sitting next to you.”
Wilcox concluded his remarks with some advice for the future service members.
“Know your job, do your job, and love your job.”
District 20, American Legion Department of Texas, and Prince Hall Shriners of Moussa Temple No. 106 were two of several community support organizations providing information during the community resource fair.
In addition to honoring high school graduates, the General Colin L. Powell Award for Supporting Military Service Opportunities was presented to Rhonda Fryer of John Marshall 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.
This year’s presenting sponsor was USAA joined by title sponsors H-E-B Operation Appreciation and USO San Antonio.
