Veterans Day Parade

An Airman from the 9th Physiological Support Squadron, Beale AFB, Calif., hands candy to a local youth while wearing a full pressure suit during the Veterans Day Parade in Marysville, Calif., November 11, 2011. Full pressure suits are used while flying the U.S. Air Force U2 Dragon Lady intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. Many units from Beale showcased equipment used at the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shawn Nickel)

Veterans Day Parade

Sparky the Fire Dog waves to local community members attending the Veterans Day Parade in Marysville, Calif., November 11, 2011, while walking with Beale's 9th Civil Engineer Squadron (9th CES) Fire Department. The 9th CES showcased fire trucks, explosive ordinance disposal equipment and personal protective equipment throughout the parade route. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shawn Nickel)

Veterans Day Parade

Airmen from the 9th Munitions Squadron, Beale AFB, Calif., march in the Veterans Day Parade in Marysville, Calif., November 11, 2011. More than 420 Airmen from Beale participated alongside other veterans, law enforcement, fire fighters and local groups. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Shawn Nickel)

Beale showcases during Veterans Day Parade

Published Nov. 15, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Shawn Nickel
9th RW Public Affairs

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif., -- More than 420 members of Team Beale marched in the Veterans Day Parade in Marysville, Calif., Nov. 11, 2011.

The parade showcased Beale Airmen, equipment used at the base and other servicemembers and veterans alongside local law enforcement, firefighters and community groups.

"This opportunity gives the Beale Airman a chance to showcase what they do and is an awesome, patriotic way to spend Veterans Day with our brothers and sisters in arms," said Master Sgt. Jason Davis, Beale first sergeant and event coordinator for the base. "Our driven Airmen exhibit our core values daily and this is not exception when it comes to service before self."

Sergeant Davis said there is rarely an event such as this where the pride from Airmen is so contagious and there is a reunion of so many veterans.

"Where else can you meet our brothers and sisters who blazed the path to freedom before us," he said.

Coordinators of the event estimated six thousand members of the community lined the streets to support the troops.

"Just the sheer number of people here is a testament to how this community feels about the people serving our country," said David Wainer, Yuba County resident. "People could have been out doing other things on a day off, but instead we are here supporting the underpaid and overworked troops and the red, white and blue."