Robinson Military Enlistees Honored at Ceremony

Eleven graduating seniors from Robinson Secondary School were recognized for choosing to serve in the military after graduation on Thursday at the first ceremony of its kind.

Burke mother Christine Zinser, who organized "Our Community Salutes,"  hopes that this year's ceremony will lead to FCPS recognizing graduating senior enlistees in the future. Her son Philipp Zinser and seven of his senior classmates have enlisted in the Marines. Additionally, two seniors enlisted in the Air Force and one in the Navy.  

A capacity crowd of family and friends at Braddock Hall in Kings Park Library were joined by representatives of VFW chapters, all branches of the military, and Congressman Gerald E. Connolly's office. Braddock Supervisor John Cook offered to hold the Enlistee Recognition Ceremony in the space.

Prior to the ceremony, Ralph Smith, a Retired Navy Captain and member of VFW Post 8469,  presented the students informally with individual copies of the United States Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Following the program, the families of the enlistees were  given United States flags that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol Building.

"[This is] the first event of this kind," Master of Ceremonies Ken Spiro said. "It represents a good portion of willingness and patriotism [which we] depend on for our future."

The Presentation and Posting of the Colors by members of  the Chantilly Academy Air Force JROTC Color Guard  was followed by the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Michael W. Gore of the United States Navy gave the Invocation.

In his remarks, Supervisor John Cook spoke about communities and strong connections between people, emphasizing that "here today we've got a great cross section of our Braddock community" of active service personnel, veterans and everyone who appreciates contributions made by those who serve in the military. He mentioned that his office works with a support group for the families of deployed personnel.

"[I look forward to] growing the program in the months and years to follow," said Sharon Stark, the District Director of the Office of Congressman Gerald E. Connolly. "Men and women who enlist in the military are the backbone of our military. You are really the people that keep it together...Today is your day. We're all here to show our support and I promise you that you have an ally in Washington. Congressman Connolly has your back."

Second Lieutenant Joe Weeren, a Military and Veteran Affairs Specialist in Congressman Connolly's office, read a statement that Connolly submitted to the Congressional Record: "At a time of of great uncertainty both at home and abroad, these young people have stepped forward to follow in a long line of distinguished Virginians who selflessly volunteer to defend our Nation and its ideals. In fact, these graduates hail from a school named for Sergeant James W. Robinson Jr., who was the first Virginian to receive the Medal of Honor [during the Vietnam War.]"

Captain Julian C. Kilcullen, Executive officer of Recruiting Station Frederick for the United States Marines, was the Military Speaker, who also officially recognized the Enlistees. When referring to the future plans for  "Our Community Salutes", Captain Kilcullen said  "We need to build up the momentum so it becomes county-wide next year."

Carolyn Kellam presented Christine Zinser with flowers, praising her for being a "one-woman hurricane", working non-stop to organize the ceremony. Kellam shared that she was initially worried when contacted by Zinser, fearing she was angry with her, thinking that her son, Daniel Kellam, had influenced Christine's son to enlist. She realized later that her friend Christine was very proud of Philipp's decision to enlist. Daniel is  scheduled to leave for 13 weeks of Marine Boot Camp in South Carolina C on June 19, two days after graduation.

"It was really good that she was able to set it all up in such a short time for us and for future enlistees," said Daniel Kellam, who will be 18 on June 17.

"Moving forward for our chapter for Our Community Salutes...It's so important," Zinser said. "That's what this organization is all about. It's the veterans. It's the communitiies. It's businesses and I'd love to see everyone join us because ideally all of Fairfax County graduates should be recognized in some way and this is the first step."

Refreshments were served after the ceremony. 

"[I am] happy to have the opportunity to honor these great young citizens who are making significant contributions to their national community," Supervisor Cook said. "We thank them for their service."

The students recognized at the ceremony for enlisting:

United States Marines

Junsuk Choi
Daniel Kellam
Andrew Dein
Sam Lausier
Ji Jong Lee
Won Gyu Lee
Philipp Zinser

United States Navy

David Maeng

United States Air Force

Kevin Haas
Jade Vitale