Air Force photograph by Rebecca AmberRosamond’s Windswept Ranch participants approached the judges table to give them a close up look at their camels in the Armed Forces Appreciation Day Parade Sept. 26. Four NCOs from Edwards AFB served as judges for the annual parade. The ranch took 3rd place in the “other” category for the parade.
ROSAMOND, Calif.–Members of Team Edwards took to the streets of Rosamond Sept. 26 for the 39th Annual William M. Ketchum Armed Forces Appreciation Day Parade.
Staged on Diamond Street, four active duty servicemembers volunteered as judges for the morning’s festivities. Chief Master Sgt. Kennon Arnold, Chief Master Sgt. James Segebarth, Tech. Sgt. Zenetra Thigpen and Chief Master Sgt. Carlos Atkinson watched and took notes as each entry went by.
Later that afternoon at the annual September Fest at Rosamond Park, trophies were awarded to the best entries in the categories of marching, vehicle, float, other and overall theme.
Air Force photograph by Rebecca AmberRosamond High School ROTC and the judges saluted while the Rosamond High School Marching Band played the national anthem to open the parade. The RHS Color Guard presented the colors for the anthem.
Edwards AFB was also represented in the parade by the Edwards AFB ROTC, the 2015 Community Queens and 412th Maintenance Group commander, Col. Robert Lepper and his wife, Dawn. The Edwards ROTC brought home a trophy for first place in the marching category.
Following the parade, the Annual September Fest offered live music, the “Rosamond’s Got Talent” contest, a petting zoo and other activities for children.
Air Force photograph by Rebecca AmberDennis Shoffner (left) 412th Test Wing Public Affairs Community Relations chief, volunteered as announcer for the parade. With him (left to right), CMSgt. Carlos Atkinson, TSgt. Zenetra Thigpen, CMSgt. Kennon Arnold and CMSgt. James Segebarth served as judges for the parade.
Air Force photograph by Rebecca AmberThe Edwards AFB 2015 Community Queens passes the judges table in a float that read, “Land of the free, because of the brave.”
Air Force photograph by Rebecca AmberThe Star Wars 501st and Rebel Legions dressed as storm troopers in the Armed Forces Appreciation Day Parade to show their gratitude to the U.S. military troops. The 501st and Rebel Legions took first place in the “other” category. The Star Wars 501st and Rebel Legion is “The World’s Definitive Imperial Costuming Organization” where fans can join in costuming and events.
Air Force photograph by Rebecca AmberThe 39th Annual William M. Ketchum Armed Forces Appreciation Day Parade was marched by bands, Soldiers and Storm Troopers. The Star Wars 501st and Rebel Legions came dressed in Star Wars costumes representing both light and dark forces from the films.
