Sound of Independence celebrates nation's 234th at the beach

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  More than 3,500 people watched a dozen cardboard boats ride the waves and hundreds of fireworks light up the night to commemorate Independence Day at the 15th Annual Sound of Independence and the 22nd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta at the Hurlburt Field Marina July 2.

The 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron and nearly 20 booster clubs and private organizations coordinated the free event for family entertainment during the holiday weekend.

"It's all about the family, the smiles and the fun," said Maj. Lamont Coleman, 1st SOFSS commander. "Everyone came here to have a good time, relax and enjoy the holiday weekend."

Major Coleman described everything from the turnout and the weather to support from wing leadership as perfect.

"The Air Force does it right by taking the time to do special things for the families," he said. "Everything today was well-organized, and it's been a great time. You couldn't ask for anything more."

The event commenced with the presentation of the colors by the Hurlburt Field Honor Guard and the singing of the national anthem by the singers from Pyramid Fort Walton Beach, a group that provides adults with developmental disabilities an opportunity to perform in the arts.

"Today is truly a special day for America, as we celebrate the 234th anniversary of our founding fathers signing the Declaration of Independence," said Col. Michael Plehn, 1st Special Operations Wing commander. "I ask you to remember that particularly on this day, for all our friends and comrades in harm's way downrange who are pledging their lives, fortunes and sacred honor in defense of our nation."

Colonel Plehn and 1st SOW group commanders also judged entries in the cardboard boat regatta, a competition where participants design boats made entirely of cardboard, glue, tape and paint. The judges awarded trophies to teams based on their originality and costumes as well as to the first team to finish the race and the first to sink.

The 1st Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron's "No. 2 Pencil" finished first, followed by "Bombcat" from the 413th Flight Test Squadron and "Kapital Juan" from the 1st Special Operations Component Maintenance Squadron. A Star Wars-themed spacecraft appropriately named "Epic Fail" received the Davy Jones award for being the first to sink.

The 1 SOCMS's "Justice League Javelin" and its superhero-costumed operators garnered both the "Most Unique" and "Best Dressed Krewe" award. And the ugliest squadron award went to the 1st SOCMS's "Zombieland" team for their ghoulish outfits aboard their cardboard coffin.

Technical Sgt. Jessika Hickman, 1st SOCMS, cheered on her team's boats along with her three daughters Devin, Casey and Taylor, who were wearing coordinating red, white and blue outfits.

"Today's been really great," she said. "We've come every year since I was stationed here in 2005 and we've had a really good time."

Between volunteer shifts at her squadron's funnel cake and face-painting booth, Sergeant Hickman took her daughters around the event to the children's activity zone, complete with inflatable playgrounds, ticket booths and a chance to take their picture with Uncle Sam, who led children in a flag-waving freedom dance around the marina at the event.

"I loved the zombie boat and my mom the best," said Taylor, 4.

The event concluded with a 20-minute firework spectacular over the sound. For Jessica Epps, 1st SOFSS community programmer, the display not only signaled the end of this year's event, but a successful kick-off for the holiday weekend.

"My thanks to the volunteers and vendors for making this possible," Ms. Epps said. "I know it was a half day for some people, but I appreciate them coming out to enjoy the show."