Dr. Ken Hartman, Founder, Our Community Salutes. Courtesy photo.
Battalion Honors Our Community Salutes Founder with Outstanding Civilian Award
By Michael Halloran, USAREC, Mid-Atlantic Battalion
Aug. 18, 2015
Dr. Ken Hartman, founder of Our Community Salutes program, received the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award earlier this month for creating the events that recognize high school students who have made the decision to serve.
Lt. Col. Edward Croot, Mid-Atlantic Battalion commander, presented the Department of Defense award, given to individuals who exemplify patriotism, generosity, and selfless dedication in a way that significantly enhances the quality of life of military members.
“It’s not something that happens every year or that our organization gives out every year,” Croot said. “It’s when we identify outstanding service to the nation from the civilian perspective, which Dr. Hartman absolutely has done.”
While serving on the Cherry Hill New Jersey Board of Education in 2009, Hartman was surprised to learn that young men and women who had signed to serve their country were not recognized for making that difficult decision. A former Army Lieutenant, Hartman worked with veterans, businesses and community leaders and citizens to create the New Jersey OCS program.
“Our Community Salutes is really not about me. It’s about these kids and their parents,” Hartman said. “But if by receiving a medal like this, it gives greater exposure to what all the volunteers are doing and encourages the community to support OCS ceremonies, then it was worth it.”
Run by volunteers, the program has expanded to 19 states and includes almost 50 chapters. Each chapter holds an annual ceremony attended by high-ranking military officers and community leaders to honor new recruits and their parents.
By Michael Halloran, USAREC, Mid-Atlantic Battalion
Aug. 18, 2015
Dr. Ken Hartman, founder of Our Community Salutes program, received the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award earlier this month for creating the events that recognize high school students who have made the decision to serve.
Lt. Col. Edward Croot, Mid-Atlantic Battalion commander, presented the Department of Defense award, given to individuals who exemplify patriotism, generosity, and selfless dedication in a way that significantly enhances the quality of life of military members.
“It’s not something that happens every year or that our organization gives out every year,” Croot said. “It’s when we identify outstanding service to the nation from the civilian perspective, which Dr. Hartman absolutely has done.”
While serving on the Cherry Hill New Jersey Board of Education in 2009, Hartman was surprised to learn that young men and women who had signed to serve their country were not recognized for making that difficult decision. A former Army Lieutenant, Hartman worked with veterans, businesses and community leaders and citizens to create the New Jersey OCS program.
“Our Community Salutes is really not about me. It’s about these kids and their parents,” Hartman said. “But if by receiving a medal like this, it gives greater exposure to what all the volunteers are doing and encourages the community to support OCS ceremonies, then it was worth it.”
Run by volunteers, the program has expanded to 19 states and includes almost 50 chapters. Each chapter holds an annual ceremony attended by high-ranking military officers and community leaders to honor new recruits and their parents.