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Parade pays tribute to Veterans

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  The 91st Anniversary of the New York City Veterans Day Parade featured the U.S. Air Force and paid tribute to the Korean War veterans by making 'Freedom is not Free' the overall theme.
More than 700 servicemembers from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst marched in the parade. In addition, the JB MDL Honor guard assisted the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard in retiring the colors and joint base Chaplain (Capt.) John Kwon who gave the invocation.

Servicemembers marched from 26th street to 56th street, where they passed veterans, family members and supporters and were met by Air Mobility Command Commander Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy and former astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The Airmen were led by Col. Paul Murphy, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander.

"Leading this large group of extraordinary Airmen was truly an honor, as we paid tribute to those great Americans who fought before us," said Murphy. "They looked really sharp and represented our service well. Marching with our fellow servicemembers really laid testament to the fact we are one team one fight."

The Air Force displayed a mini C-17 Globemaster, F-22 Raptor and K-loader, which were placed between flights of Airmen. Each of these displays was coordinated by Master Sgt. Gregory Maggard, 87th Logistics Rediness Squadron first sergeant, and Master Sgt. John Vinson, 817th Contingency Response Group first sergeant.

"Our team really came together when it came time to coordinate all of the assets JB MDL brought to the table during this parade," said Maggard. "Events such as this really give us the chance to thank those who served before us, as well as the community members who support us, in a very special and unique way."

Along with several displays a group of Airmen paid tribute to those who have served, wearing vintage uniforms from every era of the military's existence.

"It was an unbelievable experience to wear the uniform of a fellow female who helped pave the way for my role in the Air Force today," said Airman 1st Class Quale Lewis, 818th Global Mobility Readiness Squadron, wearing a vintage Army Air Corps uniform. "It felt amazing to pay tribute to female servicemembers in this way."