Military families ride in Disney Christmas parade

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Elizabeth Kreft
  • 45th Space Wing Public Affairs
PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  Three families of Airmen assigned to the 45th Space Wing here rode on a float Dec. 3 for the taping of the annual Walt Disney World Christmas Parade in Orlando. The families, along with one of a Sailor from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., were asked to represent military families and relatives worldwide who are separated from their loved ones this holiday season.

“We are continually trying to show our appreciation for the military and their families, and arranging for these families to come and join in the event was something that came naturally,” said Michael Loughran, Disney broadcast representative.

Each float in the procession represents a different theme that the parade encompasses, and the military family float was created to show the appreciation for American servicemembers’ hard work, he said. It also recognizes the heartache many military families will face in the upcoming weeks.

“It was great to see how people wanted to support us in our time of need,” said Mindy Mongillo, wife of Staff Sgt. Mike Mongillo, of the 45th Civil Engineer Squadron. “It is hard to be away from family during this time of year, but it helps to know that there are people who know what we are going through and want to help.”

Country music artists SheDaisy also rode on the military float and sang their popular song “Come Home Soon,” an anthem with emotional lyrics about missing a loved one and longing for him or her to return.

The three sisters who make up the group said they wrote the song about their cousin and a friend who deployed around the same time, leaving wives and children at home to carry on while they defended the country.

“The first time I heard that song, I cried because the meaning is so true for me,” said Tara Faircloth, wife of Staff Sgt. Tim Faircloth, of the 45th Weather Squadron. Mrs. Faircloth has cared for their three young children alone since her husband left for Southwest Asia in October.

“I felt privileged to be able to go and be on the float and take part in this because I know how (SheDaisy) feels about the military and how they really care about our situation,” Mrs. Faircloth said.

While the families gathered encouragement from the country crooners, the singer-sisters said the stories of sacrifice and commitment from servicemembers have lifted their own level of awareness and appreciation.

“We’ve become personally invested in the lives of these families as we hear more and more about how the song has affected people,” said Kassidy Osborn, the group’s lead singer.

Her sister, Kelsi, said they all feel blessed with the opportunities to perform for military families.

After the taping, each family member received a one-day vacation from the harsh realities of military life as they explored the rest of the Magic Kingdom.

“We're extremely happy to have the military families spend time together at Walt Disney World during the holidays,” Mr. Loughran said. “(It is) a special time for families and friends to gather … and we're proud to have the military families join us for our celebration.”

The parade will air Christmas Day, and it will be broadcast on the American Forces Network for servicemembers worldwide.