Our Community Salutes 2013

Members and Friends,

As most of you know, our Chapter’s largest effort is to support ‘Our Community Salutes’ each year. This program recognizes high school seniors that have chosen to join the armed services after graduation. Last year on May 2nd, with the help of a few sponsors, particularly Summit Aviation, we were able to recognize 22 senior enlistees and their parents from New Castle County and thank them for choosing to serve their nation.

This year our event will be one of 80 such events around the country, and we hope to invite senior enlistees from all three counties in Delaware. Tim Furlong of NBC10 Philadelphia will return as the emcee and we have invited Dr Jill Biden to be our keynote speaker. As a member of the Blue Star Mothers, Dr Biden appreciates those who join, and understands the emotions of their parents. Wilmington University will again host the event and all of the military services will be represented.

To expand the event and include senior enlistees from all Delaware high schools, we need your help. Wilmington University has been gracious in providing the venue, but I am hoping to find other sponsors and donations to help defray the other costs. When you visit the OCS web page, http://www.ocsde.org, there is an option to Donate to the 2013 ceremony via credit card, Pay Pal or by sending a check. Both AUSA and OCS are 501 © 3 organizations, so contributions are tax deductible. Any support we receive will go directly toward providing a first-class event for our heroes that will depart for basic training after graduation. Help us be the “first to say thank you” to these young citizens.

Sincerely,

Gary
Gary W. Dawson
President, Delaware Chapter, AUSA
Co-Chair, Our Community Salutes Delaware