An event to salute the community’s future soldiers is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at the 40 et 8 Chateau, 7607 N.E. 26th Ave.
The inaugural community salute is hosted by a committee representing veterans, educators, military officials and community and business leaders.
The ice cream social will recognize about 50 young men and women heading into the U.S. Army. They’ve all enlisted, and have dates to report for basic training.
The enlistees will have an opportunity Saturday to talk about why they enlisted.
Seventeen-year-old Tyler Loveland, who enlisted on Dec. 16, was wondering how he would pay for college. Now Loveland knows his educational benefit will total $52,732.
Other speakers will include Vancouver City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Larry Smith, who will be the event’s master of ceremonies, and Battle Ground Mayor Mike Ciraulo.
