Military Officers Association of America
Southwest Illinois Chapter

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Southwest Chapter Promotes Our Community Salutes Event

By Col (ret) Bob Norman, Southwest Illinois MOAA Chapter President

Taking MOAA's recommendation of community involvement and support, Southwest Chapter is taking the lead in planning and executing an annual event to recognize graduating high school seniors from O'Fallon Township High School, First Baptist Academy, and homeschoolers in O'Fallon and Shiloh who choose to enlist in the Armed Forces of the United States, whether active duty, National Guard, or Reserve. This will be the first ceremony of its kind in Illinois. Several other ceremonies have taken place in other states since 2009. This cohort of young people who choose to enlist do occasionally get recognized in large settings such as high school awards programs and at Busch Stadium, but this specific event will be all about marshalling the community to honor and support the choice of these young people to serve the nation. As this is the first year of many, the event needs to be manageable and meaningful for the recruits and the community. So, we are starting with a focus on O'Fallon and Shiloh. In future years, this may, and probably will, grow. We are partnering with the O'Fallon Chamber of Commerce, and already have commitments from O'Fallon Township High School to use the auditorium at the 9th grade campus, the JROTC unit at OTHS, and O'Fallon VFW Post 805, and recruiters of several Services. There are also people from Scott AFB who are committed to making a memorable and meaningful event for the recruits, their families and friends, and the community. There is still lots of work to be done before the event on May 1, 2025, so anyone who would like to help out with the planning and arrangements is welcome to join. You can throw in your support by e‐mailing the chapter at moaa.swil@gmail.com, with the SUBJECT line: "Our Community Salutes." Thank you for YOUR service! Now let's recognize the young men and women who will join the 1% of those who serve the nation! God bless you!