More than 200 high school students graduating this year from Bexar County, Texas, and surrounding area high schools were honored during the 13th annual “A Night in Your Honor,” hosted by Our Community Salutes - San Antonio (OCS-SA) at Pedrotti’s Ranch on May 14, 2024.
OCS is a non-profit organization created in 2009 by Dr. Kenneth E. Hartman to recognize and honor local graduating high school seniors who plan to enlist in the military after high school graduation.
The students represented the range of military services to include the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and Texas Army National Guard.
The keynote speaker was U.S. Navy Cmdr. Stacey O’Neal, commanding officer, Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) San Antonio.
A native of Greenville, Miss., O’Neal spoke to the audience regarding her mother, who formed a strong foundation for her to stand on throughout her more than 30-year career in the Navy.
“We all have greatness in us. Life tests us all,” said O’Neal. “You decided now to step into your greatness by joining the military services. We will support you in that, encourage and mentor you, and love you throughout the entire process.” District Vice Commander-elect Willis Gray III (Robert F. McDermott Post 309), Post Commanders Humberto Quintanilla (Business and Professional Post 10) and Burrell Parmer (Fred Brock Post 828), joined by other Legionnaires and Auxiliary members within the “Mighty” 20th District, attended and provided information on The American Legion during the community resource fair held prior to the start of the program.
The fair provided the students and their families with access to educational resources and connections with military support groups. Additionally, the 20th District served as a bronze sponsor.
In addition to honoring high school graduates, the General Colin L. Powell Award for Supporting Military Service Opportunities was presented to retired U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Danny G. Casillas, an Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) instructor at Highlands High School.
“This is an event for you,” said David Fish, OCS-SA president to the honorees and their families. “We are hosting you all tonight as you are the stars of the show. We want to be the first organization to recognize you at this special event, and to say thank you for raising your hands to commit to defending our constitution.”
