GTMO residents combine Mardi Gras festivities with celebration of local hero

Photo By Pvt. Kourtney Grimes | JTF Troopers throw beads and candy from a decorated party bus in Saturday's Mardi Gras and Admiral Bulkeley's 50th Anniversary Parade. With the help of numerous JTF volunteers, the parade featured floats of all shapes and sizes.  

GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

03.07.2014

Story by Pvt. Kourtney Grimes 

Joint Task Force Guantanamo Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - The island was busting with excitement this weekend as many Troopers and families joined together along Sherman Avenue to enjoy the Mardi Gras and Admiral Bulkeley 50th Anniversary Parade. This community event-filled day began with the parade that departed from the Downtown Lyceum and ran all the way to the Bayview Club where a traditional Mardi Gras feast was later served. The festivities concluded at the Tiki Bar where Navy Entertainment stars Erick Baker and Donnie Reis filled the warm evening air with guitar, keyboard and violin melodies.

"We're looking forward to hanging out with y'all," said Eric Baker, a singer and guitarist performing on the island a second time. Baker's first visit to GTMO was New Year's, 2012, where he performed with Edward McCain.

While this time of year marks the celebration of Mardi Gras, it also marks the 50th Anniversary of Admiral John D. Bulkeley's historic cutting and sealing of the Cuban water pipe that proved Guantanamo Naval Station was self-sufficient, despite accusations from Fidel Castro about stealing water.

The parade was the first of its kind, said Stephen Prestesater, two-year community activities director for the Morale, Welfare and Recreation. "The parade is a nice way to commemorate him cutting the pipe."

Events like this bring the deployed military personnel peace of mind and a feeling like they're back at home said Prestesater.

Joint Task Force Troopers were eager to help with the parade as they packed their proudly decorated vehicle full of service members to ride in the procession and throw out candy and beads during the parade.

"It was great," said Navy Cmdr. Yvette Costales, a JTF team member here. "We had a great time. We threw beads to kids, families and the General. They were cheering us on."

"The best part was seeing the kids pick up the necklaces," said Chief Petty Officer Wanda Ford, a noncommissioned officer here at
the JTF.

There were a lot of people involved in making the parade a success, in addition to the MWR employees.

"We thank the community for coming out," said Prestesater. "We thank the command for letting us put it on and the volunteers for helping us clean up."

• Date Taken: 03.07.2014
• Date Posted: 03.07.2014 12:24
• Story ID: 121677
• Location: GUANTANAMO BAY, CU