“You families are truly the wind beneath the wings of our service members.” - Commissioner Bob Proud
Around 40 recruits from all branches of the military took their oath of service during the Salute to Veterans and Our Troops at the Clermont County Fairgrounds in Owensville last Thursday. “Welcome to the family,” said Army Captain Steve Ewing, who has just returned from duty in the Mid East. The event, organized by Clermont Commissioner Bob Proud, also featured the Pledge of Allegiance led by representatives from all military conflicts dating back to World War II; brothers of Army Specialist Joseph Bauer of Owensville (recently killed in Afghanistan) were among those leading the crowd in the pledge.
Army Major Dr. Brad Wenstrup, who served as chief of surgery at the Abu Ghraib prison hospital in Iraq, told the crowd gathered for the event it was an honor and a privilege to serve his country. He also praised those who support the troops. “Behind every troop member is a brave family; their constant support is so important,” he said. During the ceremony, Gold Star and military families were honored with the singing of “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Lynn Griswold. “You families are truly the wind beneath the wings of our service members,” said Commissioner Proud.
While the ceremony featured many light-hearted moments and cheers, there were also tears, remembering the 12 brave men with ties to Clermont County, who have died since the beginning of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of their family members were in the crowd for the Salute, including the families of two recent local soldiers who have died overseas, Specialist Bauer and Army Specialist Jacob Dohrenwend of Milford.
Pictured above: Recruits from all branches of the military take their oath of service during ceremonies at the Clermont County Fairgrounds in Owensville on Thursday, July 30, 2010.
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