Page 16 - WilmU Spring Summer 2013

WUl i fe
A s they embark on the
journey of their lives, 30
young soldiers-in-the-making
accepted awards to recognize
their enlistment into the U.S.
military on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, on the
campus of Wilmington University.
The Second Annual High School Enlistee
Recognition Ceremony was presented by
Our Community Salutes of Delaware and
was sponsored by Wilmington University,
the Association of the U.S. Army Delaware
Chapter, the Delaware City Refining
Company, Navy Federal Credit Union,
Summit Aviation and others. Those organiza-
tions had representatives on hand before
the ceremony to distribute brochures and
discuss career options with students.
During the ceremony, a number of
high-ranking military officials served as guest
speakers, offering thanks and praise to the
30 new enlistees.
“Joining the military when the country is at
war takes a lot of courage,” said Command
Chief Master Sgt. James M. Smith of the
436th Airli Wing at Dover Air Force Base.
Dr. Peter Bailey, Wilmington University Vice
President of External Affairs and himself an Air
Force captain, joined Smith. Bailey reminded
the cadets, many of whom are currently active
in their high school’s ROTC programs, that their
decision to enlist has not gone unnoticed.
“We are lucky as a country to have people
like you joining the military,” Dr. Bailey said. “We
are so proud of you and what you are going to
accomplish.”
NBC10 reporter Tim Furlong emceed the
ceremony. A er remarks from guest speakers,
each enlistee was called to the front of the
auditorium to accept le ers of appreciation
from U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Congressman
John Carney and the State Senate and
House Veterans Affairs commi ees. Enlistees
also received a “challenge coin” from Our
Community Salutes of Delaware.
Our Community Salutes (OCS) is a
national, nonprofit organization created
to recognize and honor graduating high
school students (and their parents) who
plan to enlist in the armed services a er
graduation. For more information, visit
ourcommunitysalutes.org. WU
SalutingAmerica’s soldiers of tomorrow
Top: The entire class of recognized enlistees.
Above center: Command Chief Master Sgt.
James M. Smith meets the guests of honor –
high school seniors who have enlisted in the
military.
Above: Brig. Gen. Carol Timmons congratulates
an enlistee.
PHOTOS BY BRADLEY C BOWER
WILMINGTON UNIVERSIT Y MAGAZINE