Families and community leaders gathered Sunday evening at the Owensboro National Guard Armory for Kentucky’s first-ever Our Community Salutes ceremony, honoring high school seniors who have enlisted to serve in the military after graduation.
The event was organized by Cathy Mullins through the Brandon Mullins Memorial Foundation in partnership with Veterans Empowered Together, the VFW, and the American Legion. Mullins said the idea was sparked after learning about Our Community Salutes at a national event in San Antonio.
“We wanted to find a polished, meaningful way to say thank you to these young men and women — and to involve their families too,” Mullins said. “Most enlistment oaths happen privately with recruiters. Tonight, families got to witness it, and that’s special.”
Nearly 40 students from western Kentucky and southern Indiana were recognized, including enlistees in the Kentucky National Guard, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Navy.
Participants received a gift bag containing a pocket Constitution, a challenge coin, and a $100 bill — a personal touch from the Brandon Mullins Foundation in memory of Brandon, Cathy’s son, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2011.
During the ceremony, students participated in a mock oath of enlistment officiated by Maj. Gen. Haldane Lamberton, Adjutant General of the Kentucky National Guard.
The evening featured keynote speaker Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Cassity, who shared lessons from his 30-year military career.
Cassity, originally from Ashland, Kentucky, urged the students to focus on three keys to success: physical fitness, mastering their craft through study, and seeking out new opportunities.
“You’re taking a step that opens doors you can’t imagine yet,” Cassity said. “Stay physically strong, keep learning, and never lose sight of the bigger picture.”
Daviess County Attorney John Burlew, a U.S. Army veteran, also addressed the crowd, reflecting on how his military service shaped his personal and professional life.
Mullins said seeing the event come to life was emotional but rewarding.
“We’re proud to be the first in Kentucky to host Our Community Salutes,” Mullins said. “I hope we grow it here and inspire other communities like Louisville and Lexington to do the same. It’s important these families know they’re not alone — and that their service matters.”
