ST. THOMAS — Government House in St. Thomas is set to host the second annual recognition ceremony of Our Community Salutes - U.S. Virgin Islands (OCS-USVI) on Friday, June 2, at 7 p.m. The event will honor the high school students who have chosen to serve their country through enlistment in the United States Armed Forces.
Established as a domestic nonprofit corporation, OCS-USVI has a dedicated mission of acknowledging and celebrating graduating high school students who choose to commence their post-graduate journey with military service.
During the ceremony, 20 future service members, including soldiers, marines, and an airman, will be recognized for their commitment to their country. The honorees will receive several commemorative items, including an OCS coin, a miniature U.S. Constitution, and an OCS certificate.
Major General Kodjo Knox-Limbacker, Adjutant General of the Virgin Islands National Guard, and Lt. Col. Virginia A. Knorr, Commander of the United States Army Miami Recruiting Battalion, will officiate the Oath of Enlistment to these future service members.
Furthermore, the ceremony will also acknowledge outstanding guidance counselors with the esteemed General Colin L. Powell Memorial Service Award. This year's recipient, Mrs. Melrona George Edwards, a guidance counselor at Charlotte Amalie High School, has been recognized for her dedication to providing exceptional guidance, counseling, and mentorship to her students.
The nomination for Mrs. Edwards came from Sergeant 1st Class Shane Burroughs. She follows Ms. Ansel Elliott of Central High School, who was the inaugural recipient of this prestigious award in the Territory.
"We are excited about the expected large turnout of family and friends, as we honor our Future Service Members," stated an OCS-USVI spokesperson. "We are also thrilled to present the Colin Powell Memorial Service Award to Mrs. Edwards, whose devotion to her students serves as a source of inspiration to us all."
The 283rd Army Band from Fort Moore, Georgia, will provide musical interludes throughout the ceremony.
The event will feature an impressive roster of speakers including Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach, Senator Marvin Blyden, Maj. Gen. Kodjo Knox-Limbacker, Director Patrick Farrell, and Command Sergeant Major Louin Chung, who will deliver the keynote address.
Through events like this, OCS-USVI maintains its commitment to acknowledging and honoring the young Virgin Islanders who have decided to serve their nation, and the educators who guided them towards this noble path.
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