Honoring our veterans Published Nov. 13, 2008 By Senior Airman Luis Loza Gutierrez 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The City of San Angelo hosted its annual Veterans Day Parade Saturday in observance of the federal holiday. The All Veterans Council of Tom Green County led efforts in organizing this year's parade, which included participation of more than 500 servicemembers from Goodfellow Air Force Base. Servicemembers marched to the cheers and proud American-flag waving of thousands of spectators who lined the streets of downtown San Angelo to witness the parade and pay tribute to those who have served and those serving still. Members from local Boy Scouts of America chapters handed out small American flags to approximately 500 spectators, while members of the Goodfellow Marine Corps Detachment and other organizations passed out candy to the children. There were more than 100 entries in this year's parade, including the Goodfellow Air Force Base Black Rope Drill Team made up of technical training students from the 17th Training Group. The team treated viewers to two drill demonstrations during the parade. The base's traditional participation in the parade was especially memorable for one Airman. "This is the second time I've participated, but it was the first time my little sister Jessica from California got to see me march in a parade, so it was extra special for me," said Senior Airman Alejandro Aguilar, with the 17th Training Wing staff. Airman Aguilar said he could see his sister taking photos and smiling. "I may not have been able to talk to my sister right at the moment, but I could tell from her big smile that she was smiling because she's proud to have me both as her brother and a veteran, just like so many families around the country are proud to have someone in their family serve their country," Airman Aguilar said. "It's events like this parade that make great opportunities to show community involvement and create nice memories," concluded the proud Airman.
