Jonesboro, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — April 1, 2025 — High school recruits from Northeast Arkansas and their families are invited to Our Community Salutes (OCS) of Northeast Arkansas’ second annual High School Enlistee Recognition Ceremony.

The ceremony will take place on April 10, starting at 6:30 p.m., at Gardens at Harmony, 4517 E. Parker Road. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

OCS is a national nonprofit organization founded in 2009, helping communities recognize, honor and support high school seniors planning to enlist in the U.S. Armed Services after they graduate.

During the ceremony, each high school senior will take an oath to enlist and receive a military challenge coin, a pocket guide of the U.S. Constitution, gifts from sponsors and other educational materials. The Northeast Arkansas event was first held in 2024, which drew an estimated 400 people and recognized around 70 high school seniors.

“About 99% of kids that attend one of these ceremonies go on to serve,” said OCS chairman retired Col. Clarence H. Overbay, of American Legion Post 21 in Jonesboro. “Now they’ve committed to it in front of their parents and all their community, so they’re less likely to back out. It’s quite impressive.”

There is no cost to attend this event as local businesses and individuals are underwriting the entire cost of the ceremony. Suggested dress attire is business or business casual.

The event will feature the master of ceremonies Chris Taylor, Robin Yates performing the National Anthem, the Brookland High School JROTC Color Guard, and a Jonesboro High School JROTC cadet leading the Pledge of Allegiance.

Guest speakers will include the director of veteran services for the Arkansas Department of Veteran Affairs Gina Chandler; Hytrol president and retired Marine Corps Capt. David Peacock, Hytrol vice president of supply chain Christopher Brudos, who also served in the United States Marine Corps, and retired Arkansas Army National Guard Col. Anita Deason Walker.

The keynote speaker will be Arkansas Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Michael Henderson, of Imboden, director of the joint staff at the Arkansas Joint Forces Headquarters in North Little Rock.

Overbay said the ceremony is beneficial for both the students and their parents.

“We really push [the students] to get the parents involved because we want to help the parents as well,” Overbay said. “It makes them feel better and gives them an opportunity to make friends with someone else and their kids are all going at the same time. So, they get a little community contact, which several of the organizations offer too. It’s important that they know there’s somebody that can reach out to and call.”

Registration is required. To register, go to the OCS of Northeast Arkansas website before the event.