Alamo Wing revives Fiesta tradition with parade entry

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --  "Looking for love in all the wrong places, looking for love in too many faces," crooned Master Sgt. Max Hernandez, 433rd Maintenance Squadron, aboard the 433rd Airlift Wing's "Urban Cowboy"-themed float during San Antonio's 19th Annual Fiesta Flambeau Parade, April 28.

The parade theme's was "Saturday Night at the Movies." And indeed, the wing participants did find love from over 600,000 spectators lining the parade route with another estimated 1.5 million viewers on television and on the Internet.

When Hernandez found out the wing's float had an "Urban Cowboy" theme, he was excited. "The soundtrack from that movie is why I got into country music," he said.

Onlookers removed their hats as the 433rd Alamo Wing's Honor Guard marched by on a breezy San Antonio evening. "This was an excellent experience," said Master Sgt. Armando Hernandez 433rd Force Support Squadron and a member of the Honor Guard. "We represented the armed forces and the 433rd. People really get excited when they see military members in the parade and when they see the colors going by."

Wing members received high fives from spectators. Spectators cheered them as they walked alongside the patriotically decorated Alamo Wing's float.

The float was distinguished by a prominently displayed image of the Alamo Wing's logo, which was outlined with LED lights.

"They (spectators) stood up; they held up signs that read, 'Support the Country.' It excited me," said Hernandez.

"Our feet hurt, our shoulders hurt, but it's a good sore," said the honor guard member. "I represented the Air Force to San Antonio."

Float participants included Col. Craig S. Petersen, 433rd Mission Support Group commander; Staff Sgt. Cora Astbury, 356th Airlift Squadron, Senior Airman Cassandra Toole and Airman Klorissa Ramirez, 433rd Force Support Squadron. Toole and Ramirez dressed in Urban Cowboy-themed attire as well.

"I think it is amazing to see how many people showed up and have spirit, "said Ramirez. She was surprised at the Fiesta tradition, when parade goers yell to see the footwear that the float riders are wearing.

"I didn't think it was a big deal at first, but I saw so many signs that read 'show me your shoes, show me your shoes,' said Ramirez, who is from Austin and attended the event for the first time.

The entire experience left a lasting impression on other participants who are looking forward to next year's parade already.

"Whether you were a walker, or an Honor Guard, or on the float, it's a lot of work, but the reward is that you represent the wing, and you're representing yourself," said Max Hernandez.

"I've never seen so many people in all my life," said Petersen after the parade.
"It was a great honor to be part of the parade. I think everybody had a good time. We came. We saw and hopefully next year we can participate again."