OCS of Ashland
2025 High School Enlistee Recognition Ceremony
Welcome to OCS of Ashland! We are now accepting registrations for our upcoming ceremony.
Welcome to the Inaugural Heart of Ohio/Ashland, Ohio Our Community Salutes Ceremony
The Ashland Community is the Hallmark town of Ohio, charming, welcoming and very patriotic!
- The Honorable Mayor of Ashland, Matt Miller will lead the event as our Master of Ceremony.
- The National Anthem will be sung by State Representative and former Miss Ohio Melanie Miller.
- Our Keynote Speaker is Captain Jack Hughes, U.S. Army Congressional Fellow, currently serving in the Pentagon as a Budget Liaison to Congress. CPT Hughes enlisted in the Army following his graduation from high school. After reaching the rank of E6, he transitioned to Officer Candidate School. In January of 2023, CPT Hughes was selected for a Congressional Fellowship. He attended George Mason University to receive his Masters Degree in Legislative Law. He then served 1 year in the Office of Congressman John (Judge) Carter and is currently at the Pentagon.
- Our Veteran Representative is Ron Samnik, AUSA
Ashland University will host a table and provide enlistees with information on how to receive college credits during active duty and how they can utilize their GI Bill.
We are actively reaching out to Military Bands to participate.
Each Enlistee will receive a Challenge Coin; a personal certificate; a program; a booklet with the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution - and several photo opportunities with the dignitaries.
Enlistees who participate in the OCS ceremonies are encouraged and inspired by the support they feel. We invite you all to join us and to stay tuned for more updates!
Enjoy! Exclusively Your Catering will provide delightful refreshments during the reception.
If you would like to enjoy a lunch before the ceremony or dinner on your way home, Ashland offers several good options:
Ashland-Wooster Drive-In: serves homemade root beer (and floats!) &: Best Coney Dogs in Ohio! 1134 E Main St as you drive in from Hwy 71
O'Bryan's Pub: Friendly atmosphere and good food!
1065 Claremont near Ashland University
The South Street Grille: in downtown Ashland. Casual Dining, including a vegetarian menu and a child's menu
121 South Street, Ashland, OH 44805
In addition, Ashland has a BWW, Perkins Pancake House and 2 Mexican restaurants that are open on Sundays.
Contact Information
- Bonnie Vona
- (703) 340-0889
- Email Me
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