GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Local civilians and Goodfellow Air Force Base service members participated in the 12th Tom Green County’s All Veterans Council Annual Veterans Day Parade in downtown San Angelo Nov. 7.
“Seeing this parade, I feel a lot of pride to be in the military,” said Airman 1st Class Sean M. Yaffe, 17th Communications Squadron Cyber Transport System specialist. “Having civilians thank me and kids look up to me makes me feel like a hero.”
The parade showed respect and honored local veterans as well as those who currently serve. It started at 11 a.m. and highlighted service members from the Air Force, Navy, Army and Marine Corps.
“I think this parade and events like this in general strengthen the bond Goodfellow and San Angelo already have,” said Yaffe. “From what I’ve seen, the relationship is amazing.”
In addition to celebrating local veterans, the parade also featured the San Angelo Police and Fire Departments, local school bands and Reserve Officers' Training Corps groups.
Goodfellow Air Force Base and the San Angelo community have an outstanding relationship. In 2015, Goodfellow won the Altus trophy, which recognized Goodfellow as the best community support relationship in Air Education and Training Command.
“I think it’s important to have that relationship,” said Capt. Jessie J. Espejo, 17th Medical Operations Squadron Clinical Nurse manager. “We help them as much as we can and they help us.”