HELOTES, Texas – (May 13, 2026) – More than 180 high school students graduating this year from Bexar County and surrounding area high schools were honored during the 15th Annual “A Night in Your Honor” hosted by Our Community Salutes - San Antonio (OCS-SA) at Pedrotti’s Ranch.
For the third year, the “Mighty” 20th District served as a bronze sponsor and participated in the Community Resource Fair talking with future servicemembers and their parents about The American Legion, Sons of The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary.
The students represented a range of military services, including the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Texas Army National Guard.
According to OCS-SA President Karen Lopez-Rolirad, the organization is dedicated to the young men and women who raise their hands and volunteer to serve their country immediately after high school.
“I believe everyone who joins the military deserves recognition,” said Lopez-Rolirad. “As an Air Force veteran, I know firsthand that the armed services cannot execute their missions without the enlisted force. They are critical to everything we do and, in many cases, make profound sacrifices.”
One of Lopez-Rolirad’s goals is to bring greater awareness to OCS-SA and expand its service mentor and volunteer programs.
“Unfortunately, many high school graduation ceremonies primarily recognize students pursuing university degrees or academic scholarships,” said Lopez-Rolirad. “While seniors are often permitted to wear stoles commemorating academic, University Interscholastic League or club achievements, they are frequently prohibited from wearing stoles that honor their commitment to serve their country.”
The keynote speaker for this year’s ceremony was U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Perkins, executive adviser, U.S. Air Force Operations Directorate.
“To our future soldiers, Marines, sailors, airmen, guardians and Coast Guardsmen, thank you,” said Perkins. “Thank you for stepping forth. Thank you for voluntarily carrying the responsibility before anyone asked. At a time when it is easy to scroll past, opt out and sit on the sidelines, you chose to step up and that matters.”
He also thanked the parents, grandparents, siblings, coaches, mentors and friends.
“Although these young men and women made the decision to serve, none of them made it here alone. Your support matters more than you’ll ever know,” said Perkins. “There will be moments in the years ahead, late nights, hard days and lonely barracks rooms halfway around the world, where a phone call from home or a text message makes a difference. So, tonight is not just a celebration for those accepted into the service, it’s a celebration for those families willing to serve right alongside.”
In addition to honoring high school graduates, the General Colin L. Powell Award for Supporting Military Service Opportunities was presented to Lonnie Martinez, a college, career and military adviser for Sandra Day O’Connor and Agriculture Science & Technology Academy, Northside Independent School District.
Participating in the Community Resource Fair were representatives from Robert F. McDermott Post 309, Mico Post 380, Fred Brock Post 828 and Fred Brock Auxiliary Unit 828.
The fair provided the students and their families with access to educational resources and connections with military support groups.
“The Community Resource Fair is critical because service doesn’t just impact the individual - it impacts the entire family,” said Dr. Chaunte N. Hall, OCS-SA’s Community Outreach director. “Providing access to education, financial resources, career pathways and support services helps set both the enlistees and their families up for long-term success. It reinforces that they are not alone in this journey - our community is standing with them.”
“Through recognition, resources and connection, OCS-SA strengthens not only individual outcomes, but the readiness and resilience of America as a whole,” Hall, an Air Force veteran, continued. “These enlistees are stepping forward with courage, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are supported every step of the way.”
OCS is a nonprofit 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.
Ceremonies occur across the nation and are planned and conducted by volunteers, including military veterans, high school and college educators, local businesses, community leaders and active-duty military personnel.
The organization relies heavily on sponsorships and local support is paramount, especially as chapters compete with one another at the national level, said Lopez-Rolirad.
“We are fortunate to have outstanding sponsors including USAA, H-E-B, Bexar County, the City of San Antonio, American Public University, the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, the University of the Incarnate Word, The American Legion, Moussa Temple No. 106 Shriners, First Command, Navy Federal Credit Union, the Lynd Foundation and Pedrotti’s Ranch, which all make this chapter exceptional,” said Lopez-Rolirad. “Sponsorships of any size are always deeply appreciated.”
For more information about OCS-SA and to view photos of the 2026 event, visit www. https://community.ocsusa.org/san-antonio.
