Our Community Salutes (OCS) of Fayetteville will host its annual Enlistee Recognition Ceremony at Methodist University on May 6, 2026, honoring local high school seniors who have committed to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
Our Community Salutes (OCS) of Fayetteville will host its annual Enlistee Recognition Ceremony at Methodist University on May 6, 2026, honoring local high school seniors who have committed to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
In addition to hosting, Methodist University is a proud sponsor of this year’s ceremony, which will take place in the Huff Concert Hall on campus, with registration beginning at 6 p.m. and the program starting at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be catered through a sponsorship from the Methodist University Military & Veteran Services program.
The event not only recognizes the graduates, but also connects them with resources to support their transition into military life.
Speakers for the evening ceremony include Hon. Robert L. Wilkie Jr. (10th U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs), Brigadier General Fred Hockett (Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Training), and MU President Stanley T. Wearden.
Our Community Salutes is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to recognizing high school enlistees and supporting them as they transition into military service. Fayetteville Chapter President John Gobrick, also a veteran, says the OCS ceremony goes beyond recognition in providing mentorship, financial literacy, and family support resources.
“There are a lot of unknowns, and there is a lot of fear,” Gobrick said. “We recognize these young men and women, but we also provide transition services to help guide them. That includes financial education, mentorship, and support systems to help them succeed.”
Jeff Etienne, public affairs media coordinator for OCS Fayetteville, said community awareness and involvement are critical to the program’s success.
“These students are stepping up to serve at a time when it matters most,” Etienne said. “We want the community to show up, support them, and help ensure they are prepared not just to enter the military, but to succeed throughout their service.”
Hosting the ceremony at Methodist University also introduces enlistees and their families to a campus community that is known for understanding and supporting military affiliated students and their loved ones.
“For many of these students, this moment represents a season of firsts, from leaving home to stepping into a new environment,” said Rocio Serna, coordinator of Military & Veteran Services at Methodist University. “Some will be the first in their families to serve, and others may go on to become the first to pursue higher education. Methodist University is here to guide them through those transitions and support their success every step of the way.”
Serna says that programs like the Army’s Green to Gold pathway provide opportunities for enlisted service members to continue their education while advancing their military careers.
“Our ROTC program prepares future officers to lead with confidence, both in the military and in the classroom,” Serna said. “It’s a pathway that allows students to grow as leaders while earning their degrees.”
Serna also adds that events like the OCS ceremony give students an early sense of belonging.
“They’ll walk onto campus and feel like they belong,” Serna said. “They’ll be surrounded by a community that celebrates them and is invested in their success.”
The partnership allows OCS Fayetteville to expand its reach as the program continues to grow.
“We’re a victim of our own success,” Gobrick said. “What started with fewer than 100 enlistees has grown significantly. With Methodist University’s support, we’re able to accommodate more families and invest more into recognizing and supporting these students.”
The event is free and open to the public. Community members, veterans and military families, are encouraged to attend and engage with enlistees as they prepare for their next chapter.