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315th AW participates in Charleston Veterans Day Parade

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Robert Pilch
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. --  Members of the 315 Airlift Wing here participated in the 10th annual Veteran's Day parade in downtown Charleston Sunday Nov. 7, presented by the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

The parade drew a crowd of local Charlestonians and visitors alike who lined the historic streets waving American flags and thanking the military for their service.

"It is a celebration of everyone alive and those that have given the ultimate sacrifice" said Chief Master Sgt. Gigi Manning, the command chief master sergeant of the 315 AW. "It's a public thank you to those that have given their service."

Approximately 80 Reservists volunteered their time to participate in Sunday's parade and pay tribute to those who serve or have served in our nation's military.

"I wanted to show my pride in America," said Tech. Sgt. Phillip Daniels, a Reservist from Salisbury, N.C. serving with the 315 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

"It's a time to pay tribute to those that have gone before us and to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and to defend the freedom that the Constitution has given us," said Senior Master Sgt. Ed Pankey, the 315 AW Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program representative.

This year's parade featured more than 50 organizations with more than 1,000 participants honoring our veterans, setting a record for the parade's 10 year history with the VA Medical Center.

"I would like to thank all of the men and women of the 315 AW, 437 AW and 628 Air Base Wing for their support," said Col. Steven J. Chapman, Commander of the 315 AW. "It's just indicative of the team effort in Charleston."

Stay up to date with the 315th Airlift Wing at http://www.315aw.afrc.af.mil/. Follow the 315th on Facebook and Twitter.