Local Army battalion recognizes El Cajon mayor’s community service, salutes young American soldiers

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After a morning full of physical training, 5K crossfit competitions and entertainment for the whole family, active duty, veterans and the community stood in silence as 120 young Americans raised their right hands and took the Oath of Enlistment, joining the ranks of the U.S. Army. Active duty personnel stood at their side reaffirming their oath of service.

On Saturday, the 2nd Annual Community Salute to Heroes—Benefiting First Responders & Military Families recognized the El Cajon community.

After a morning full of physical training, 5K crossfit competitions and entertainment for the whole family, active duty, veterans and the community stood in silence as 120 young Americans raised their right hands and took the Oath of Enlistment, joining the ranks of the U.S. Army. Active duty personnel stood at their side reaffirming their oath of service.

On Saturday, the 2nd Annual Community Salute to Heroes—Benefiting First Responders & Military Families recognized the El Cajon community.

Organized by The San Diego Army Advisory Council (SDAAC), the benefit raised money through auctions to provide funds for first responders, recognized businesses that hire veterans and people that make their mark in service to the community. Held at Grossmont High School’s Lt. Thomas M. Adams Field, named for the school’s 1993 valedictorian that died in a Persian Gulf helicopter accident in 2002, more than 1,000 participants and community filled Jack Mashin Stadium.

Lt. Col. John Oliver, Southern California Recruiting Battalion commander said it is always an honor to administer the oath and that the newest Army Strong will ship out for basic training within the next couple of weeks.

“Administering the oath is a moving experience,” said Oliver. “I take the oath personally every time I say those words.”

Oliver presented El Cajon Mayor Mark Lewis with a Lifetime Achievement Award and a U.S. Army challenge coin for his extraordinary support of the Southern California Recruiting Battalion, the support he gives for men and women in the Army and his unselfish efforts in making a contribution on the future of the U.S. Army.

“With your service to the community and commitment to the Army, the City of El Cajon is one of the Army’s largest recruitment areas of young Americans wanting to serve their country in San Diego County,” said Oliver.

Honored for the recognition, Lewis said he is just one person out of many that deserve the recognition.
“It is the people of El Cajon and their commitment to the military,” he said.”

Oliver recognized Superintendent Ralf Swensen, Grossmont Union High School District with a Battalion Award and a U.S. Army challenge coin and San Diego Police Assistant Chief Shelley Zimmerman for their continuous service to the community and the U.S. Army.

James C. Bernet, SDAAC executive director, said the Army recruits more young Americans in San Diego County than the Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard combined.

“This event gives us the opportunity as civilians and residents of the community to recognize current soldiers, future soldiers and veterans,” Bernet said.

He said the SDAAC is one of 62 grassroots councils across the country and is an all-volunteer organization with more than 400 local volunteers that help with events like this throughout the year.

Bernet said the SDAAC identifies and recognizes people that commit to a lifetime community service.
“We consider community and political service a very important aspect of the fabric of our society,” said Bernet. “So we recognize the mayor for his many decades of public service.”

Personnel from the U.S. Army and San Diego Police Department held a series of demonstrations. Proceeds will go to the SDPD Star Pal program, which offers recreational and education opportunities for under-served and at-risk youth, introducing them to healthy, structured activities while stressing the importance of academic success.