Owensville, Ohio -- A group of nine poolees from Recruiting Sub-Station East Gate took the oath of enlistment and officially joined the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program during a ceremony at the Clermont County Fair July 21.
The Marine Corps poolees and entry level members from other branches of the Armed Forces received the oath from Army Reserve Lt. Col. Brad Wenstrup, who is also a member of the Ohio State Congress.
The ceremony was organized by Clermont County Commissioner Bob Proud who spoke during the ceremony about the patriotism of the residents of Clermont County.
“You know, I will put us against any county, especially our size, for its patriotism. We have always been patriotic, but since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq we’ve come together even closer because we have had 12 fallen heroes from our county,” said Proud. “No other county has had more, other than Cuyahoga, and that’s because we have so many who want to serve.”
Sgt. Ryne Ratti, a recruiter with RSS East Gate, explained the effect the ceremony had on him and his poolees.
“They were pumped and excited that they got to swear in in front of their hometown and show the people of the county what they were going to do with their future,” said Ratti. “Seeing this display of patriotism builds my morale and lets me know that the county is receptive to the military.”