On April 22, South Hillsborough Elks Lodge #2672, in coordination with the national Our Community Salutes organization and the DeSoto Masons, participated in a greater Tampa Bay ceremony at the Egypt Shriners temple to honor the nation's newest upcoming service members. Our Community Salutes recognizes and supports high school seniors who plan to enlist in the military immediately after high school graduation. OCS also provides the seniors with resources that aid in their transition into military service. There were 146 high school seniors who were recognized. Guest speakers included some from OCS, military retirees and a Brigadier General, who also performed a mock oath of enlistment. All the services were represented. There were more than 300 people attending, including parents, guardians, families, friends, OCS, Elks and Mason members.
Pictured in front is Steve Conrad, PER, trustee. In the back row are Tom Anderson, member; Chuck Stieb, PER, trustee; Sugar Conrad, Exalted Ruler; Bev Wohlrab, member; Brigadier General Cogbill; John Wohlrab, member; Ryan Wentworth, chaplain; and Janet Meyer, trustee.