Celebration honors Ohio students committing to service in U.S. Armed Forces

3/25/2024

Earlier this month, Stephen D. Dackin, director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce; Maj. Gen. (U.S. Army retired) Deborah Ashenhurst, director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services; and Ohio Second Lady Tina Husted recognized high school students from throughout Ohio who have committed to service in the U.S. military.

High school seniors and juniors who are entering service academies, have committed to serve as active duty, Reserve, or National Guard members, or have earned a Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship were invited to take part in the 2024 Military Signing Day at the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus.

The students signed commitment letters, received red, white, and blue cords from the USO, and celebrated with their families and members of the military and education communities.

Stacia Naquin, a USO volunteer and ABC 6 news anchor, provided the welcome address.

Students James Wakefield, Marietta High School, and Samantha Dauterman, Goshen High School, along with MSgt Kesha Harper, United States Air Force, shared their reasons for serving in the armed forces. The South High School Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps conducted the presentation of colors. Students from Canal Winchester Local School District’s Winchester Trail Elementary School led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Sgt. Szu-Yu Chu of the 338th Army Band sang the national anthem.

The commitment celebration also featured Col. Travis Pond, Vice Wing Commander, 88th Air Base Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and Maj. Gen. John Harris, Adjutant General, Ohio Air and Army National Guard.

A video of the event is available on the Department’s webpage.