Over 100 Ohio students take oath of enlistment at National Veterans Memorial and Museum
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — High school students from across Ohio made their commitment official Tuesday as future Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Guardsmen, and Guardians at the annual All-Ohio U.S. Armed Forces Celebration.
More than 100 students took their oath of enlistment inside the National Veterans Memorial and Museum as part of Military Signing Day.
“We tend to honor our kids who get scholarships for sports and different things and academic scholarships, but if we don’t recognize these few Americans, who say 'I’m going to raise my right hand and give up my life for my country,' we really would’ve failed,” said Major General (Ret) Deborah Ashenhurst, Director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. “So we have this event every year, and we recognize those who are joining our military.”
“I chose to join the Armed Forces to have a massive impact, provide something bigger and more meaningful in the world,” said Kiara Contreras, a senior at Old Fort High School in Tiffin, Ohio, who enlisted in the Army as a Behavioral Specialist.
Ashenhurst and Contreras spoke as part of the ceremony Tuesday, along with several special guests, including Colonel Charles D. Barkhurst, the Vice Commander of the 88th Air Base Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Major General John C. Harris, the Adjutant General of the Ohio National Guard, along with Dr. Stephanie Siddens, Interim State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Ohio’s Second Lady, Tina Husted, served as keynote speaker to offer congratulations and gratitude on behalf of the Offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.
The ceremony is hosted by the Ohio Department of Education in partnership with Ohio Department of Veterans Services, Ohio Air and Army National Guard, and the United Services Organization (USO).
