Supporting our Next Generation of Service

Our national communities honoring the generation of service members.

About Our Communities

Since 2009, OCS enlistee recognition ceremonies have been held by local communities in banquet halls, auditoriums, and sports arenas from New York to California, with tens of thousands of people attending, a testimony to the appreciation of the young men and women of OCS entering military service.

OCS ceremonies are events organized by parents, educators, business and community leaders, and veterans to provide community support for students, parents, and families as their family member transitions into military service and joins the 1% of Americans who serve in uniform.

Each OCS student-enlistee receives a Certificate of Recognition from Our Community Salutes, a pocket guide of the U.S. Constitution, gifts by supportive sponsors, and the recognition that their community of veterans, parents, and community leaders supports their decision to serve.

OCS Community Ceremonies in 2024

 

OCS Communities will host several local ceremonies supporting their community’s
high school enlistees during the Spring of 2024.

 
 
 

See the list below for a community near you!

Don’t see a ceremony in your area? Click here to inquire

 
 
 

Arkansas
Central Arkansas - April 12
Northeast Arkansas - April 11

California
San Diego - May 20
San Jose - November 29

Colorado
Colorado Springs - May 2

Connecticut
Connecticut - May 18

Delaware
Delaware - May 14

Florida
Orlando - April 22
Pensacola - May 14
Tampa - April 24

Georgia
Atlanta - May 4
Columbus - May 11
Valdosta - April 27

Indiana
Northwest - May 22

Louisiana
Baton Rouge - April 9

2024 OCS Ceremonies

Maryland
Anne Arundel County - April 29
Baltimore - May 6

Massachusetts
Gillette Stadium - May 19

Nebraska
Lincoln - April 24

New Hampshire
Manchester - June 6

New Jersey
North Jersey - May 8
Central Jersey - May 9
South Jersey - May 7

New York
Brookhaven - May 15
Broome County - May 22
Monroe County - May 22
Nassau County - May 15

North Carolina
Fayetteville - May 1

Pennsylvania
Bucks County - May 16
Chester County - May 16
Montgomery County - May 13
Philadelphia - May 1
Pittsburgh - April 15

 

South Carolina
Midlands South - May 14
Low Country (Charleston Area) - May 16

Texas
Austin - April 23
Dallas - April 27
El Paso - April 17
Fort Worth - March 23
Houston - April 18
San Antonio - May 14

Virginia
Northern Virginia - May 3
Spotsylvania - April 24

Puerto Rico
San Juan - May 18

Virgin Islands
St. Croix - April 26
St. Thomas - April 19

OCS Ceremonies in the News

Our Community Salutes providing recognition and support of high school students, their parents, and their communities.

 Students and Families from Our Previous Community Ceremonies

Community FAQs

Questions Frequently Asked About Our Communities

Looking for a ceremony near you?

Want to contact an OCS Community nearest you? Send us a note. We’ll be glad to help.

Can I volunteer to help at an OCS event?

Want to help plan an OCS event? Make a phone call to a potential sponsor? Act as a liaison with a service branch career recruiter? Consider volunteering with an OCS Community near you, or working with directly with our corporate office. We’re always on the look for great volunteer talent to help with a small task or project.

Can I start an OCS event in my community?

It begins with a commitment from a few volunteers who are willing to plan and implement an OCS graduation ceremony in their community.

People from just about every occupation imaginable are involved in leading an OCS chapter, including parents, educators, veterans, small business owners, and other leaders with a community.

Our national office receives and approves requests from local community leaders to start an OCS chapter in their community. To be considered as an official OCS chapter, please begin here.