Area schools hold military signing day events

Col. Thom Pemberton, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander poses with students from Western High School during a military signing day event held April 27, 2023. The students have opted to join the military after graduation. and become the next generation of citizen warriors. (U.S. Air Force photo/TSgt. Jami Lancette)

Area schools hold military signing day events

Col. Arianne Mayberry, 434th Maintenance Group commander, administers the oath of enlistment to Northwestern High School Students who decided to join the military. Schools from both Peru and Kokomo held events to recognize the next generation of citizen warriors. (U.S. Air Force photo/TSgt. Jami Lancette)

Area schools hold military signing day events

Col. Thom Pemberton, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander, administers the oath of enlistment to military signees during a Peru High School military signing day event May 1. Schools from both Peru and Kokomo held events to recognize the next generation of citizen warriors. (U.S. Air Force photo/TSgt. Jami Lancette)

Local schools hold military signing days

Published May 3, 2023
By Douglas Hays
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --

In the sports world, national signing day is the day many schools and recruiters celebrate an athlete joining their teams, but a few local schools are doing a twist on signing day, with the help of Airmen at Grissom Air Reserve Base.

Three area schools dedicated time for military enlistees to step into the spotlight and be recognized for their dedication serving in the military.

Western and Northwestern High Schools in Kokomo held ceremonies on April 27, and 28 respectively and Peru will held a similar ceremony May 1.

“We wanted these future warriors to be recognized for showing their patriotism and willingness to serve,” said Col. Thom Pemberton, 434th Air Refueling Wing Commander. “We don’t care which branch of service they choose, we want their decision to be celebrated.”

Commanders from the base will led oath of enlistments and the Grissom Honor Guard presented the colors during the ceremonies.

It is estimated that only 23 percent of Americans ages 17-24 are qualified to serve without a waiver.

“When you read information like that, it is even more important that we recognize these young folks,” Pemberton said.

While the three schools were the first to hold a ceremony, Maconaquah High School is holding one on May 12.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The Citizen Airmen from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter. To learn more about serving in the Air Force, Guard or Reserve, visit our main page here or download the AIM HIGH app to connect with a recruiter in your local area.