Airmen make a grand entrance in CFD Grand Parade

Photo By Senior Airman Jason Wiese | Chief Master Sgt. Matthew Wells, 20th Air Force command chief, and his family wave at the crowd during the 120th Cheyenne Frontier Days opening grand parade in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 23, 2016. Twentieth Air Force is responsible for the nation's three intercontinental ballistic missile wings and one nuclear operations support wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jason Wiese)  

CHEYENNE, WY, UNITED STATES

07.23.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Christopher Ruano 

90th Missile Wing

Airmen from the 90th Missile Wing marched toe to toe in the 120th Cheyenne Frontier Days opening grand parade in Cheyenne, Wyo., July 23.

This was the most diverse formation to date, with more than 160 Airmen marching this year.

Led by Col. Greg Buckner, 90th Maintenance Group commander, all five groups of the 90th MW participated to include the 90th Mission Support Group, 90th Medical Group, 90th Security Forces Group, 90th Maintenance Group and the 90th Operations Group.

The Airmen who took part in the parade continued a decades-long tradition of community partnership with the military during the city's biggest annual event.

“Being a part of this parade is important for a lot of reasons,” said Buckner. “It shows the strong tie between the local community and the military from Warren, from the 153rd Air National Guard and our Navy and Army partners. It’s a very strong relationship, it’s been that way for the last 120 years, and this shows that trend will continue.”

Gen. Robin Rand, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, was the Grand Marshal for the parade and kicked-off the formation, leading the route through downtown Cheyenne.

Senior leaders from the base also participated in the day’s festivities.

“It’s important we are here in large part because it shows the representation of who we are,” Buckner said. “We defend American with the world’s premier combat-ready ICBMs and it’s important for people to know we have their backs and are here to protect our nation.”

With thousands of spectators watching from the sidewalks, the parade traveled across the downtown area of Cheyenne and ended at the state capital. The Airmen marched with precision and energy according to a crowd member.

“I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and to be able to go out into the community and let them see a uniformed presence of happy people,” said Airman 1st Class Frank McCullough, 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron response force member. “Cheyenne and Warren were established at the same time and it’s important that we show that it’s our community too and we’re here with you.”

• Date Taken: 07.23.2016
• Date Posted: 07.23.2016 21:58
• Story ID: 204870
• Location: CHEYENNE, WY, US
• Hometown: CASPER, WY, US
• Hometown: CHEYENNE, WY, US
• Hometown: DENVER, CO, US
• Hometown: FORT COLLINS, CO, US
• Hometown: LARAMIE, WY, US