RICHARDSON - Local high school students making the decision to pursue careers in the U.S. Armed Forces might not experience much fanfare at the time they enlist. However, members of a local military-focused nonprofit are committed to recognizing their choices and providing vital support to new enlistees and their families.

Our Community Salutes (OCS) DFW will honor future soldiers with an in-person ceremony 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Tues., May 10, in Richardson (The Heights Church, 201 W. Renner Road). Scott Murray, chairman and CEO of Dallas-based Murray Media, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Unlike students headed into military academies, winning military scholarships or those involved in programs such as ROTC, there aren’t local recognition ceremonies for new enlistees in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

During local ceremonies, OCS DFW will thank new enlistees by presenting each a certificate and a challenge coin. Challenge coins, given to service members, often feature an emblem or insignia, indicating they are members of a unit or served on a specific tour of duty. A part of military culture for many years challenge coins are designed to boost morale, identify allegiance and extend appreciation to service members.

The ceremony will feature community leaders, government officials, educators, businessmen and veterans. There’s no charge for students to participate, but registration is required at https://ocsdfwtx.org.

The ceremony is for future soldiers residing in Dallas, Richardson, Plano, and other communities on the east side of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Donations are welcome.

Credit Union of Texas will host a food truck from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Another ceremony is 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Mon., May 9, at I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA, 1411 I.M. Terrell Circle South, Fort Worth. Future soldiers residing on the west side of DFW are welcome to participate, but registration is required at https://ocsdfwtx.org. There is no charge.

Dress for both events is casual.