Team Edwards marches at Torrance parade

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Julius Delos Reyes
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Amidst cheers and claps, Team Edwards Airmen marched their way through Torrance Boulevard in Torrance, Calif., to participate at the city's annual Armed Forces Day Parade on Saturday. 

More than 60 Airmen volunteered to represent Edwards at the 48th Annual City of Torrance Armed Forces Day Parade and Celebration. 

Other bases in Southern California were also there including Los Angeles Air Force Base and March Air Reserve Base. The event also featured members of other services. 

"I feel the highlight of the event was marching down the street and hearing the overwhelming applause from the crowd," said Master Sgt. Rob Haslacker, 410th Aircraft Maintenance Unit F-117A NightHawk production supervisor and first sergeant. "It was as if I could feel the appreciation and admiration by the attendees." 

Torrance Day Parade is the largest parade in California with the exception to the Rose Parade, he said. The parade was one of the events on the three-day celebration. 

Each year, Torrance committee selects a branch to be the grand marshal. This year's grand marshal was the Air Force in honor of its 60th anniversary in September. 

The celebration also featured various fun-filled events and military exhibits including aircraft, vehicles and support equipment. It also featured a concert by the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West. 

An Airman with the 95th Medical Group said it was her first time joining the parade. 

"It was a very good experience," said Airman 1st Class Donna Marie Yap, women's health technician. "I feel really proud and happy to hear people clapping, cheering and saying 'thank you.'" 

For Sergeant Haslacker, he said he really feels appreciation for what the city of Torrance has been doing for the servicemembers. 

"The city of Torrance went above and beyond to make all military members feel appreciated," he said. 

Being in the Torrance parade rejuvenated the pride and professionalism one feels as a military member, Sergeant Haslacker said. 

"It made me aware that vast majorities of people appreciate the work we do and value the freedoms we protect," he said. "This is just one of the many reasons it is vitally important to be involved with and support our local communities."