Capt. Alex Stanton leads the drill team during a rehearsal prior to the 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at Herald Square, Nov. 22, 2012, in New York City. The Air Force Honor Guard and Band made history when they set foot in New York City for the largest deployment of 11th Operations Group assets outside of the National Capital Region in support of the parade for the very first time. Stanton is a U.S. Air Force Honor Guard flight commander. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
The U.S. Air Force Band practices at Herald Square, Nov. 22, 2012, in New York City. The 200 Airmen from the AIr Force Band and Honor Guard showcased Air Force power and precision to a televised audience of 55 million viewers during the 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Perry Aston)
Master Sgt. Blake Aarington, U.S. Air Force Band clarinet player, performs with the band during the 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 22, 2012, in New York City. Two hundred Airmen from the Air Force Band and Honor Guard marched in the parade with a televised audience of 55 million viewers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Perry Aston)
U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Commander Lt. Col. Kenneth Marentette prepares to lead fellow honor guardsmen during a rehearsal prior to the 86th Annual Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade at Herald Square, Nov. 22, 2012, in New York City. The USAF Honor Guard and Band made history when they set foot in New York City for the largest deployment of 11th Operations Group assets outside of the National Capital Region in support of the parade for the very first time. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
The U.S. Air Force Band rehearses prior to the 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at Herald Square, Nov. 22, 2012, in New York City. The 200 Airmen from the Air Force Band and Honor Guard showcased Air Force power and precision to a televised audience of 55 million viewers during the parade. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Perry Aston)
The U.S Air Force Band performs during the 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 22, 2012, in New York City. Two hundred Airmen from the U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard marched in the parade with a televised audience of 55 million viewers and a live audience of more than three million spectators. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Perry Aston)
The U.S. Air Force Band performs as the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard marches by during a rehearsal prior to the 86th Annual Macy?s Thanksgiving Day Parade at Herald Square, Nov. 22, 2012, in New York City. The Air Force Honor Guard and Band made history when they set foot in New York City for the largest deployment of 11th Operations Group assets outside of the National Capital Region in support of the parade for the very first time. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
The U.S. Air Force Band and Honor Guard rehearse prior to the 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade at Herald Square, Nov. 22, 2012, in New York City. The Air Force Honor Guard and Band made history when they set foot in New York City for the largest deployment of 11th Operations Group assets outside of the National Capital Region in support of the parade for the very first time. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Colors Team members lead ceremonial guardsmen during the 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2012, in New York City. The Air Force Honor Guard and Band made history when they set foot in the city for the largest deployment of 11th Operations Group assets outside of the National Capital Region in support of the parade for the very first time. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton)
U.S. Air Force Band Commander Col. Larry Lang leads the Air Force Band during the 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Nov. 22, 2012, in New York City. Two hundred Airmen from the USAF Band and Honor Guard marched in the parade with a televised audience of 55 million viewers and live audience of more than three million spectators. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Perry Aston)
by Senior Airman Steele C. G. Britton
Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs
11/22/2012 - NEW YORK (AFNS) -- The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and Band made history when they set foot in New York City for the largest deployment of 11th Operations Group assets as part of the 2012 Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The 200-person formation marched in front of a live audience of more than three million and a televised audience of 55 million viewers for the 86th annual event.
"The experience was very exciting with so many people who came out to watch an important part of Americana here in New York," said Master Sgt. Jake McKray, Air Force Band saxophonist. "It's important that the military is represented at this event and I'm very thankful to do so for all Airmen serving in the U.S. and at deployed locations around the world."
Following a 2.65-mile march through the city streets, the honor guard and band performers showcased a patriotic tribute titled "This is My Country," conducted by Air Force Band Commander Col. Larry Lang, on the NBC main stage in Herald Square.
The Air Force song bounced between the skyscrapers of New York City as the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team demonstrated precision through weapon drills followed by the sleek stature of the colors team presenting the U.S. flag. A formation of armed honor guardsmen, led by Lt. Col. Kenneth Marentette, Air Force Honor Guard commander, marched seamlessly for all to see.
"Marching in the parade and being part of the first team from the 11th OG was a great experience," said Airman 1st Class Kamiron Smith, Honor Guard ceremonial guardsman. "I'm the first of my family to join the military and it's a great opportunity to represent them as well as the U.S. Air Force."
The Air Force Band and Honor Guard regularly perform for officials at the highest levels of government and military. Almost daily, the units serve in Arlington National Cemetery, rendering funeral honors to our nation's fallen heroes. Through public appearances, the two units inspire patriotism and foster a positive image of the Air Force.
11th Operations Group Commander Col. Gina Humble shared how proud she was of the Airmen serving in the Honor Guard and Band.
"You all played a vital role in making this happen; over the past year and through the finish today," said Humble. "We are one team -- one fight."
The 86th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade brought many spectators' cheers and applause as each honor guard and band member marched by.
"We all had a blast and are proud to serve our country," said Smith. "We came out and accomplished exactly what we set out to do, we looked sharp and I hope we can come back and do this again in the future."
Comments
11/27/2012 8:27:08 AM ET Check out the Youtube video httpwww.youtube.comwatchvdPdIgTIXIVU
Capt, OH
11/26/2012 12:01:39 PM ET I see ya Justin
Big Mike, AETC
11/26/2012 11:03:55 AM ET They all looked great and performed with great precision. I got goose bumps. Great job
