Holloman teams with Alamogordo for Armed Forces Day
By Tom Fuller, 49th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published June 02, 2010
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --
The local civilian community turned out in record numbers May 15 for the City of Alamogordo's Armed Forces Day Celebration weekend held at Washington Park.
A city official credited the increase to the large presence of Holloman Air Force Airmen to support the event with equipment and demonstrations.
"This year's Armed Forces Day Celebration was the best I've seen in years," said Raul Ruiz, director, Parks and Recreation for Alamogordo. "We had a lot of pleasant comments from the community about how nice it was to see the military with their displays and demonstrations."
According to Mr. Ruiz, about 10,000 people attended the Armed Forces Day Celebration on Saturday when the park was filled with camouflaged vehicles, equipment displays and men and women in military uniform.
"The entire event was a huge success," Mr. Ruiz said, citing the increased attendance. "We had a huge turnout from the community and surrounding areas."
As in past years, the city's salute to the military was held in conjunction with a two-day Gus Macker basketball tournament, but with a difference this year. Event planners set out to emphasize the Armed Forces Day aspect of the weekend by changing the name of the event. Mr. Ruiz said at some time in the past before he took over organizing the event, someone changed the name to "Saturday in the Park" even though its purpose continued to be an acknowledgment of the military.
"This year we decided to change the name .... to Armed Forces Day Celebration," Mr. Ruiz said. "We wanted to revive the spirit of the event and what it's all about, that is, honoring the military, the men and women who serve and protect our country, especially our neighbors at Holloman Air Force Base."
During the opening ceremony, two F-22A Raptors from the 8th Fighter Squadron flew over the park drawing oohs, aahs and a round of applause from the spectators. Then, in opening remarks, Alamogordo Mayor Ron Griggs told the crowd that it was fitting that Alamogordo hold such a celebration to honor the commitment and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform, as well as their families. Col. David Sullivan, 49th Fighter Wing Vice Commander, echoed the Mayor's comments pointing out the long-standing close relationship between Holloman and Alamogordo.
Master Sgt. John Harris, 49th Civil Engineering Squadron, organized, coordinated and helped place most of the Holloman assets which came from 49th Mission Support Group.
"(Set up) went smoothly because of the early coordination with the City of Alamogordo and having a list of the equipment each organization brought," said Sergeant Harris.
Following the presentation of the colors for the opening ceremony, Holloman's Steel Talons Honor Guard demonstrated a flag-folding ceremony. The 49th CES Explosive Ordinance Disposal Flight displayed their response vehicle with a robot and the Emergency Management Flight showed off their response trailer along with a variety of testing equipment and protective gear.
The Holloman Fire Department crash and fire truck was on hand, as was a flight line fuel truck and maintenance vehicle. The 49th Security Forces Squadron brought out their armored vehicle with several weapons while their dog handlers displayed dog training equipment and put on a working dog demonstration.
In all, about 50 members of Team Holloman participated in the Armed Forces Day Celebration, including members of the 46th Test Group and several civilian employees.
Sergeant Harris said the public responded well to seeing Holloman Airmen and the equipment they operate on display.
"I noticed that each display had a variety of visitors asking all types of questions," he said. "The Airmen were very helpful at answering their questions. The volunteers made the event a success."