COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The National Veterans Memorial and Museum echoed with pride and patriotism as Ohio celebrated its newest generation of military recruits at the annual Ohio Military Signing Day.
The event serves to celebrate Ohio native high school students in grades 11 and 12 who have committed to military service.
During the ceremony, the future Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Guardsmen signed their ceremonial letters of commitment and took the Oath of Enlistment, formally committing to serve their country.
Col. Dustin Richards, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, attended the ceremony and offered opening remarks, drawing upon his own experiences.
“As you enter service, make sure that you take as much from it as you can,” Richards said. “Whether that’s professional growth, personal growth, educational benefits, or opportunities to see the world, know that the service you're entering will ask a lot from you. There are high expectations, but by meeting those expectations, you will come out as a better person.”
Richards encouraged the recruits to reflect on their motivations for joining the military. “Remember your ‘why’,” he urged. “Whether it’s a family legacy, a desire to see the world, or the call to be part of something larger than yourself, hold onto that purpose. It will sustain you through challenges.”
Maj. Gen. John Harris, Adjutant General of the Ohio Air and Army National Guard, and Brig. Gen. Shannon Brown, Assistant Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps, also participated in the celebration, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, in partnership with the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, the Ohio Air and Army National Guard, and the United Services Organization, hosted the event. Their collaborative efforts ensured the students received the honor and recognition they deserved.
As the ceremony concluded, Col. Richards and Chief Master Sgt. Tessa Fontaine, 88th Air Base Wing command chief, presented each student with a military cord to wear proudly at their high school graduations, marking the beginning of their military journeys.
Their commitment comes at a time when less than 1% of the U.S. population serves in the armed forces, according to the Department of Defense. These new recruits will begin their military training, embarking on a journey that will test their limits and shape their futures as they join the ranks of those who serve the nation.