On May 14th, Freeholder Melinda Kane joined students and their families for the eleventh annual Our Community Salutes of South Jersey High School Enlistee Ceremony, to honor those graduating high school seniors in Camden County who plan to enlist into the military immediately after graduation. These seniors represent just one-percent of all high school graduates.
Over 400 people are expected in attendance, including local, state, and national leaders. Major General Frank Muth, Commanding General of Army Recruitment Command, will be speaking at the Ceremony. Former New Jersey Governor James Florio will receive the 2019 OCS Blue Diamond Award. The US Army Band will provide the musical entertainment.
“I congratulate these outstanding high school seniors and commend them for their decision to serve their country,” said Freeholder Kane, liaison to the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs. “Their commitment makes each of us proud.”
“We are seeing a record number of graduating seniors going into the military this year from traditionally college-prep high schools,” said Dr. Kenneth Hartman, founder of Our Community Salutes. “The cost of college may have hit a tipping point for many students and their families, resulting in more seniors looking at the military educational benefits as an alternative to taking on heavy student loan debt.”
OCS was started in Camden County in 2009. Today, OCS chapters exist in over 23 states, with over 30 ceremonies being conducted this spring. For more information, please visitOurCommunitySalutes.org.