News>Team Holloman helps celebrate Alamogordo Armed Forces Day
Photos
Emma Donaldson-Perry asks questions about one of Holloman Air Force Base’s fire trucks to U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. David Rose, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron deputy fire chief, at the 35th annual Alamogordo Armed Forces Day celebration May 19. The celebration is intended to honor the men and women who currently serve and have served in the armed forces. Several units attended the event to put on displays and demonstrations, including the 49th CES fire and emergency services flight, which provided the fire truck display. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Logan Clark/Released)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class John Buckley, 49th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency management trainer, shows off his Level-A suit to Corbin Aleywine at Alamogordo’s Armed Forces Day celebration May 19. The suit, which is fully encapsulated for unknown hazards, was part of a display the readiness and emergency management flight brought to help teach attendees various functions of the military. The celebration is held annually to honor the men and women who currently serve and have served in the armed forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Logan Clark/Released)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Terrance Bethany and Joseph Glover, both from the 49th Security Forces Squadron combat arms section, talk about the M4 carbine with John Cripe, a World War II and Korean War veteran, at the Alamogordo Armed Forces Day celebration May 19. The combat arms section was one of several units who supported the event with a display of weaponry, including the M4 carbine, the M239 and M240 machine guns. The event was designed to honor men and women who currently serve or have served in the military. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Logan Clark/Released)
A 49th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal F6 robot displays its capabilities at the Alamogordo Armed Forces Day celebration May 19. 49th CES EOD was one of several units who supported the event with a demonstration, showing onlookers how robotics can be used to ensure the safety of service members by performing dangerous tasks. The event was designed to honor men and women who currently serve or have served in the armed forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Logan Clark/Released)
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Luis Diaz Garcia, 49th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, runs from Vulkan, a 49th SFS working dog, during a demonstration at the Armed Forces Day celebration at Washington Park May 19. The 49th SFS was one of several units who supported the event with a demonstration, showing attendees the various functions and jobs of the military. The event was designed to honor all of the men and women who are currently serving or have served in the armed forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Logan Clark/Released)
5/22/2012 - ALAMOGORDO, N.M. -- The City of Alamogordo and more than 9,000 attendees from the local area helped celebrate the city's 35th annual Armed Forces Day in Washington Park May 19.
The celebration, in conjunction with a three-on-three basketball tournament, is designed to tribute the military veterans currently serving in the local area, as well as all those who have served their country honorably.
The weekend event also featured a car show, carnival rides, live entertainment and food vendors from around the area, as well as displays by volunteer Airmen and Soldiers from the local military installations.
"Alamogordo is proud to be home to Holloman Air Force Base and Battery C- National Guard Armory, as well as the German Air Force and many retired military," said Susie Galea, Mayor of Alamogordo, in her speech during the opening ceremony.
Raul Ruiz, the event coordinator for the past 23 years, said each year they try to keep the event fun and uplifting to draw a lot of attendees while still trying to maintain an emphasis on honoring the armed forces.
"We want to make sure that everybody is still aware that this is an event to honor the men and women of the armed forces, and we want to keep that focus, so we try not to venture off too far from that," said Ruiz.
As part of that focus, several units from Holloman AFB were present with displays and demonstrations throughout the day, including members of the 49th Security Forces Squadron military working dog section; 49th Security Forces Squadron combat arms section; 49th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal flight; 49th Civil Engineer Squadron fire and emergency services flight; 49th Civil Engineer Squadron readiness and emergency management flight; 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management flight; and 49th Materiel Maintenance Group.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ray Lara, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels management flight training supervisor, said the event is a way for the military to be more personable and show off what the Air Force does.
"[The public] gets to see something outside of what's on the news or what they hear from family and friends. They get to see it themselves," said Lara. "It makes it a little easier to connect with who we are and what we do."
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Staff Sgt. Ryan Parent, who is also the military liaison for the White Sands Pupfish baseball team, says he definitely feels the support of the community for the military members who live here.
"It's nice to have a big community, military and non-military, come out and show their support," he said. "It's not always like that in military towns."
The Mayor offered some insight into her own support of the military as well.
"As a military spouse, I understand the challenges and loneliness felt as you stay behind to keep the home fires burning. Thank you for your strength and faithful endurance. Now, to all the service men and women, we are indebted to you for your service and sacrifices."
