On April 30, the Second Annual Enlistee Recognition Ceremony for Our Community Salutes of Greater O'Fallon honoring the Class of 2026 high school seniors and others and their families at First Baptist Church of O'Fallon Illinois was a great success. The enlistees and their families listened intently to the messages of the Stage Party speakers--State Representative Kevin Schmidt; Colonel Jen Goetz, Commander, 932nd Mission Support Group; Captain Jacob Curtis - Commander 126th Security Forces Squadron; Colonel (retired) John Kafer - Financial Advisor, First Command Financial Services; and Colonel (retired) Scot Heathman - CEO, The Wedge Innovation Center. Additionally, videos were sent from US Congressman Mike Bost and US Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. The ceremony honored 51 enlistees consisting of Future Marines, Future Sailors, Future Soldiers Regular and Illinois National Guard, and Air Force Reserves. Also participating in the ceremony were the Sgt Charles A Fricke VFW Post 805 providing the Color Guard, music by the Ainad Shriner's Drum & Bugle Corps, interlude provided by the USAF Band of Mid-America solo guitarist. The ceremony and participants were also blessed by Pastor Mariano Sarabia of First Baptist Church of O'Fallon. Vendors included First Command Financial Services, Navy Federal Credit Union, the Scott AFB Education Center, SWIC, Why Knot Massages & Self Care, and Military OneSource. Many thanks to our sponsors: First Command Financial Services, First Baptist Church of O'Fallon, Southwest Illinois Chapter of MOAA, USAA, ReMax Realty, O'Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, and Gifts for Individuals. We are still seeking sponsors for this event in 2027. Contact Bob Norman at his e-mail address--cyclemaniac76@att.net.

Photos from the event will be available to download shortly.