'My heroes:' Area high school military enlistees swear oath of enlistment

‘My heroes:’ Area high school military enlistees swear oath of enlistment

‘Anybody who’s willing to make this decision, (you’re) absolutely my heroes,’ says Command Sgt. Maj. Danny A. Basham

by Hayden Gray April 13, 2026

ASHLAND — Matt Miller opened and closed a ceremony on Sunday with prayers for safety for area high school students entering the United States military.

Miller, mayor of Ashland, was the master of ceremonies for the city’s second “Heart of Ohio Our Community Salutes” ceremony at Mount Vernon Estate.

Sunday’s event brought together community leaders, veterans and military enlistees and their families from Ashland, Holmes, Huron, Knox, Medina, Richland and Wayne counties.

“As you take this new chapter underway in your life, you can know without a shadow of a doubt that not only are we behind you, but the God of the universe is behind you,” Miller told the enlistees seated in front of him.

Forty student enlistees were in attendance Sunday afternoon, representing the Army, Marine Corp, Air Force, Army Reserves and Marine Corp Reserves.

Our Community Salutes is a national non-profit organization founded in 2009.

Its mission is to recognize and honor high school enlistees and their commitment to military service, as well as provide parents and guardians of enlistees with community support as their son or daughter transitions into military service.

Bonnie Vona, an Ashland native, helps organize the event and was the catalyst behind the inaugural ceremony last year. She’s been involved with the organization since 2018.

Brenda Russell of Blue Star Mothers, an organization of mothers who have or have had children serving in the armed forces, and Randy Spade, vice president for enrollment management at Ashland University, also spoke to enlistees and their families about resources and support for the journey ahead.

**Ashland Mayor Matt Miller speaks to young military enlistees Sunday during the “Heart of Ohio Our Community Salutes” ceremony.** *Credit: Hayden Gray*

The will to serve

Command Sgt. Maj. Danny A. Basham, head of the U.S. Army Recruiting Division based in Fort Knox, Ky., was the keynote speaker Sunday.

Involved with recruitment since 2005, Basham is currently the highest ranking recruiting official for the Army.

Basham, whose first duty assignment was in the 101st Airborne Division, thanked enlistees for volunteering to serve their country.

“In the coming weeks, you’re going to feel a lot of uncertainty and doubt about the decision you made,” Basham said. “Trust yourself that you made the right decision. Lean into the uncertainty and overcome it.

“You are right where you are supposed to be. It is in these moments of discomfort and doubt that we figure out how strong we really are,” he said.

**Command Sgt. Maj. Danny A. Basham, head of the U.S. Army Recruiting Division, speaks Sunday.** *Credit: Hayden Gray*

Basham also shared three pieces of advice with the young enlistees: show up at the right place, show up on time and show up wearing the right uniform.

“The rest of it is showing up with a good attitude and the willingness to do whatever you have to and then just work your butt off until it’s done. And again, don’t quit,” he said.

As Basham closed his speech, he said U.S. service members have always been his heroes. Forty new heroes joined that list Sunday afternoon.

“You all are my heroes. Anybody who’s willing to make this decision, (you’re) absolutely my heroes,” Basham told the enlistees.

Below are photos from Sunday’s ceremony. (Credit: Hayden Gray) The story continues below.

Oath of enlistment

The Colin L. Powell Memorial Service Award was also handed out Sunday to a local school counselor who bests supports students’ educational and career choices and assists recruiters who rely on their help.

This year’s award was given to Tasha Lisle from Pioneer Career and Technology Center in Shelby. Four of the students Lisle works with at PCTC were seated near the front with their fellow enlistees.

“I appreciate all of you and your decision to commit to our country. All of you who have served, thank you. This is because of you guys, so thank you,” she said.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Harvey Nguyen administered the oath of enlistment to all 40 enlistees. The Armed Forces Medley concluded the ceremony as the high school students took turns singing the official songs of their branch.