Last Thursday MacKay Sposito was proud to sponsor the fourth annual Our Community Salutes event that was held at Heritage High School. If you’re not familiar with this event, it’s organized by the Community Military Appreciation Committee, or CMAC, each year to honor new high school graduates who have chosen to enlist in any branch of the US Military. CMAC began Our Community Salutes because they wanted to recognize the significance of the decision these high school graduates make to serve their country and the impact that will have on their lives and their parents and family members.

The MSi Veterans Support Council has been a significant sponsor of the event in Clark County from the beginning. Among other things, our contribution helps pay for the challenge coins that each enlistee receives at the ceremony. Vancouver City Councilor Larry Smith is the Co-Chairman of CMAC and during his opening comments he recognized MacKay Sposito for our ongoing sponsorship. Zack was invited to join the line of elected officials and other representatives that congratulated the new graduates / enlistees as they came off the stage after receiving their certificates and coins and getting their “grab and grin” photo taken.      

The ceremony itself can be very moving at times. Sergeant Rey Reynolds of the Vancouver Police Department, who himself has four children active in different branches of the US military, sang the national anthem and God Bless the USA during the program. Sgt. Reynolds has an amazing, booming voice and his particular version of both these songs is very impactful, especially given the circumstances.

It was an eventful evening, with lots of proud and emotional family members in the audience watching their children take a major step toward adulthood and assuming a new role as the protector of their nation. A very high grade of leader indeed.