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NC Wing Units Perform in Thanksgiving Parade

Thanksgiving Parade
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C/A1C Docabo, C/TSgt McDonald, C/CMSgt Haskell, C/SrA Davis comprise the color guard (click image to view full size)
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Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade in Charlotte, NC invites area cadets to join marchers

By 1st Lt. Sherry Haskell
PAO MER-NC111

12/18/2013–Charlotte, NC– 11/28/2013-CHARLOTTE, NC-When cadets of the 111th Search and Rescue Cadet Squadron were asked if they would like to march in the Novant Health Thanksgiving Day Parade in Charlotte, NC, they eagerly said “Yes!” Unfortunately, the registration deadline was past; but the parade organizers were willing to allow the squadron to participate anyway. Then another stumbling block arose. The registration fee was $250. Wow! The squadron reluctantly had to decline the opportunity; but thanks to the generosity of Novant Health, they offered to waive the fee to involve the cadets!

Twenty excited members, including a couple of cadets from the Gastonia Composite Squadron and the Iredell Composite Squadron, gathered in below freezing temperatures at 07:45 Thanksgiving morning, ready to brave the weather. Between the hot chocolate, donuts, clear sunny skies, and most importantly, fellowship, the cold was not so bad! The squadron was led by two blue beret cadets carrying the banner,  a color guard in dress blues, and finally a group of sharp looking members in BDUs. They stepped off for the one mile march down Tryon St at 09:45.

The event was a success for several reasons. Thousands of spectators lined the streets. Thousands more viewed the cadets on WBTV for 35 seconds, where the squadron was announced and talked about. Along the route, senior members handed out DDR bracelets, ribbons, stickers, and book markers that read “HEROS ARE DRUG FREE” to over 1,000 area youth. Most importantly though, as stated by the incoming Squadron Commander, Lt Col Steele, “This is a special day. This marks the start of something very special for the 111th Search and Rescue Cadet Squadron.” Keep your eye out for big things to happen in Charlotte! 

Photos by 1st Lt. Sherry Haskell