Founded in 1942 and chartered by Congress in 1960, Blue Star Mothers of America is a group of mothers, stepmothers and female legal guardians who have or have had children serving in the U.S. Military.

“It is both an honor and a privilege to stand here tonight to recognize these students and extend our gratitude for the commitment that they are making to serve our country and defend the freedoms that we all hold so dear,” chapter President Laura Farnsworth said.

“In making this choice, you will be joining the ranks of heroes before you who have answered the call to serve a legacy built on sacrifice, bravery and unwavering love for this great nation. It is a commitment that few are willing to make, and it speaks volumes about your courage, character and sense of duty to your families,” she said.

“Supporting a loved one in the uniform requires a special kind of courage and steadfast devotion. Your love and support are the foundation upon which these young men and women will stand strong,” Farnsworth told the crowd, urging anyone in need of support to reach out to the organization.

“Defenders of freedom, remember this path you’ve chosen will be both demanding and rewarding. Remember, the path you have chosen will be filled with challenges, but also triumphs. Lean on one another, lean on your families and lean on your communities. We are here to support you every step of the way,” she said to the enlistees.

The students celebrated and the branches they will be entering include:

Army National Guard: Sawyer Kepner, of of Montgomery Area Junior/Senior High School, Summer Miller, of Muncy Area Junior/Senior High School; Kameron Smith, of Montoursville Area Junior/Senior High School; U.S. Army: Gage Bennett, of Montoursville Area Junior/Senior High School, Thomas Bishop, of North Penn-Liberty High School, Aiden Turner, of Williamsport Area Senior High School, Michael Yoas, of South Williamsport Area Junior/Senior High School; United States Navy: Kamdyn McCoy, of Montoursville Area Junior/Senior High School; Johnathan Phillips, of Montgomery Area Junior/Senior High School; West Point Military Academy: Keagan Smith, of Hughesville Junior/Senior High School; U.S. Air Force: Eva Leidhecker.

State Rep. Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township, himself a combat veteran who served in Iraq from 2005 to 2006, also took to the podium to share some words of encouragement.

“This is a decision that comes with a heavy price. You will make a lot of sacrifices. You will give up a lot of of things that your friends will get to enjoy, but I can guarantee you it’ll be the best thing you’ve done in your life,” he said.

“Only 2% of all Americans choose to serve this nation. It’s a humbling number, when you think about it, so few choose to serve and fight for this nation, fight for the freedoms we have,” Hamm said.

“When you sign that contract, you’re signing a blank check to the United States of America that could include your life. And that’s a decision that should be celebrated and honored, because it’s it’s a significant decision to make,” Hamm said, adding that during his time in Iraq, his brigade lost 82 soldiers, including seven good friends of his.

“There will be challenges. Work hard, stay committed, stay dedicated, and you’ll get through it. There are times when you’re in basic training when you’re questioning everything you’ve decided. Believe me, when you get to the end, you’ll understand why you did it, and it’ll be rewarding,” he concluded.

State Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, then spoke on his family’s deep military connection and his admiration for those that serve.

While not a veteran himself, Flick noted that his grandfather was a Marine, who fought in the Battle of Belleau Wood in France in 1918. Additionally, Flick’s father was a member of the Air Force, his wife served in the Coast Guard, while he has one child in the Navy and another in the Army.

“I’ve had a lifetime of elders and two of my six kids that have entered the military, and I could not be more proud of their service to this nation,” he said.

“Surrounding myself with veterans has made me such a better person and representative. There’s going to be challenges. There’s also going to be challenges for your mom, your dad and your grandparents, those brothers that hate you guys, they’re going to love you now. They’re really going to look up to you. Not only are you going to earn their respect, you’re going to earn the respect of this community,” he said.

“Of the U.S. population over the age of 18 today, only 6.1% are veterans,” said Ret. Lt. Col. Dennis Norman, of the U.S. Marine Corps.

“I believe this is the most patriotic nation in the world, and our veterans are the most patriotic of those,” he said.

“You are going to be challenged mentally and physically more than you ever have. You’ll be asked to do stuff that you couldn’t possibly imagine you could do. Trust me, you can do more than you think,” Norman stressed, imploring the recruits to always be observant and continue to learn.

“You will have opportunities to gain knowledge and experience like nowhere else. There’s online college courses, even some trade schools you can go to. Take advantage of all of them. Develop a great thirst for knowledge and experience, it will serve you well the rest your life,” he urged.

The students should embrace teamwork, Norman told them.

“The day you arrive at group training, you become part of the team, and you graduate with that team,” he said.

“Trust me, you will be rewarded as a team, and there will be times you’ll be punished as a team,” Norman said.

“Be a good team player. If you see some member of your team that’s struggling a little bit, help them. If you’re struggling a little bit, your team will help you,” he said, also encouraging the students to look for, and take advantage of all opportunities to take on leadership roles.