North Carolina salutes the troops

Published May 1, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem
43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Pope members young and old traveled to downtown Raleigh Saturday to take part in a parade where members of the community gave thanks and showed their support to the various servicemembers and their families.

Men and woman representing the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and North Carolina's National Guard marched down the streets of downtown Raleigh or rode on floats as part of the Salute To Our Troops parade while community members expressed their gratitude by cheering, clapping or holding up hand-made signs.

"It was a very humbling experience to see so many people come and support the troops and their families," said Kelly Wivell, an Air Force spouse. "I really loved watching them clap and cheer. Although it made me cry, it was awesome to know we have so much support."

"I really enjoyed the energy the crowd gave off, and the love they showed for us," said Airman 1st Class Janay Barnes, 43rd Operations Support Squadron.

Seymour Johnson AFB added to the festivities by performing a flyover by four F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft.

After the parade, people were invited to partake in the military static displays, NASCAR displays and a family "fun land." Free admittance to the Marble Kids Museum and Museum of Science and History was available to individuals from noon to 5 p.m.
Staff Sgt. Christopher Drew, 43rd Airlift Wing, liked the idea of the parade because of the way it made military members feel they were appreciated for their service.

"It helped give the troops a sense of pride and reminded them that the sacrifices they make everyday are not in vain."

"It is good to know that people support us, especially for younger Airmen like myself who haven't been around long," Airman Barnes said. "It's good to see that people still care."

"This parade showed us we do have supporters and there are still people out there who believe in our government, in our military and in our country," Mrs. Wivell said. "I was honored to have been asked to participate in this parade and I am very glad that I had my children partake in it as well. It is an experience I will always remember and a memory I can take away while being stationed at Pope."