More than 700 future service members, their families, educators, business leaders, and the military gathered in the Rosenberg Sky Room at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) for the 5th Annual "A Night in Your Honor" sponsored by Our Community Salutes-San Antonio, May 18.

The program began with a welcome by Dr. Cyndi Porter, president of OCS-San Antonio, who introduced her husband, Vincent Porter -- dean, School of Extended Studies for UIW, who served as master of ceremonies.

The presentation of colors was conducted by Brackenridge High School's Junior ROTC Color Guard and the national anthem was sung by Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Judd Latimer, a recruiter with NRD San Antonio.

After the invocation and dinner, retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Dave Petersen, executive vice president of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, introduced guest speaker retired Marine Maj. Gen. Angela Salinas.

"We're gathered to celebrate with those men and women who have chosen to wear the cloth of the nation," said Salinas, who also serves as the chief executive officer, Girls Scouts of Southwest Texas. "I am not convinced that we are saying thank you enough to this generation, but I tell you that there are some incredible, small selective groups of wonderful people who continue to look for ways to say 'thank you.' I applaud UIW and all the collaborators of this event for acknowledging the decisions of those in attendance tonight."

According to Salinas, the event served as a first in her 39 years of military service.

After a round of applause, the 2016 Colin Powell Award was presented to retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Richard L. Gonzales, senior Army instructor, Junior ROTC of Winston Churchill High School.

After the presentation, representatives from each military service presented OCS certificates to each of their respective honorees. Additionally, each future service member was presented with their first challenge coin, sponsored by USAA.

Cmdr. Karen Muntean, commanding officer, NRD San Antonio, served as the senior active-duty Navy representative.

"The young men and women being honored joined the military to serve the American people, and I was glad to witness them getting to hear for the first time, 'Thank you for your service,'" said Muntean, a native of Calhoun, Tenn. "I could see the pride on their faces and also on the faces of their parents and guardians who were also in attendance. As I was presenting the certificates to each future Sailor, I was reminded of how I felt at their age and what an exciting career that they have ahead of them."

Our Community Salutes is a nonprofit organization created in 2009 by Dr. Kenneth E. Hartman to recognize and honor local graduating high school seniors who plan to enlist in the military after graduation. OCS also provides future service members and their families with access to educational resources and connects them with military support groups.

Porter stated is important that enlistees and parents know about the support systems that are out there to provide help to both. And the community fair gives them a sometimes first look at our military family.

"The reason why we started the event was to let young men and women who made the decision to protect our freedom, feel the same pride that other students feel when walking the stage at graduation and hearing all about their scholarships and college choices," said Porter, who serves as vice president for Extended Academic Programs at UIW. "These young men and women deserve even more praise for their love of country!"

According to Porter, seeing the glow of pride on the parents' faces and the nervous, excited looks on the enlistees makes it all worthwhile.

Initially beginning as one ceremony in southern New Jersey in 2009, OCS ceremonies have spread across the nation. The ceremonies are planned and executed by volunteers -- including military veterans, high school and college educators, local businesses, community leaders, and active-duty military personnel.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil/, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy/, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy/.

For more news from Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/.