Graduating high school students entering military to be honored April 25

Annual ‘Our Community Salutes’ ceremony to be held at Heritage High School

The Community Military Appreciation Committee (CMAC) would like to invite members of  the public to the eighth annual Our Community Salutes ceremony, recognizing high school seniors throughout the Vancouver/Clark County area who plan to enlist in the armed services after graduation.

The event is scheduled for Thu., April 25 at the Heritage High School Auditorium, 7825 NE 130th Ave., Vancouver. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The event is an all-community effort, with a vocal performance by Vancouver Police Officer Rey Reynolds and color guard presentation by Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Guest speakers include Julie Bocanegra, Evergreen Public Schools Board president; Gary Medvigy, Clark County councilor; Rhona Sen Hoss, SW Regional Representative to Gov. Jay Inslee; and Ruth Zhang, Army Veteran of Afghanistan.

Refreshments provided by Costco, follows the ceremony. The evening is being underwritten by MacKay and Sposito Inc., an energy, public works and land development consultant company with an office in Vancouver.

CMAC is all-inclusive committee composed of members representing youth, education, civic, military, veterans groups and local governments.  Its objective is to preserve and promote military history; recognize veterans and military families for their contributions to our nation; assist and support veterans, deployed military and their families; recognize community and national events and make recommendations or take action on any other subject, pertaining to the well-being of veterans and military families.  

For more information about CMAC or this event, contact Sean Gibson (760-805-2407 or sean.gibson1775@gmail.com) or Retired Army Colonel Larry Smith (360-896-8656 or vancouvertiger@comcast.net).

Information provided by Evergreen School District.