Airmen of the present and past come together for parade

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Dozens of Hurlburt Field Airmen marched during the annual Veterans Day Parade at Santa Rosa Mall in Mary Esther, Fla., Nov. 12.

"It was wonderful how many Air Force members showed up," said Senior Airman Kathleen Eliseo, sensor operator of the 4th Special Operations Squadron. "It's really heartwarming just seeing how many locals came out to support us."

A wrecker from the 1st Special Operations Logistics Squadron, carrying an Air Force-clad Santa Claus trailed a Humvee from 1st Special Operations Civil Engineering Squadron, as Airmen smiled, waved and high-fived local supporters while walking down the busy Mary Esther streets.

"I love living in this area, and any opportunity to give back is one that I want to be a part of," Eliseo said.

The parade ran throughout the afternoon while circling the Santa Rosa Mall. In addition to the active-duty Hurlburt Field Airmen, retired vets also attended and participated in the parade.

"We wouldn't be where we are today if it wasn't the veterans before us that paved the way," said retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Ronald Stearns, pro tempore mayor of Mary Esther City Council. "This is an event that we look forward to ever year."