SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Goldsboro, North Carolina, kicked off the month of December with its annual Christmas Parade, Dec. 3, led by Col. Christopher Sage, 4th Fighter Wing commander, who was invited to be the grand marshal.
More than 500 people from the local and surrounding areas attended the parade. The parade hosted 184 walking groups and floats from local businesses, organizations, school bands, the base and multiple fire trucks from Goldsboro and surrounding cities.
About 30 Airmen from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina volunteered to set up the event and directed parade traffic.
"The reason Col. Sage is the grand marshal of our parade is because of the relationship of the base and how important it is to Goldsboro and Wayne County," said Chuck Allen, Mayor of Goldsboro. "We actually had Airmen from the base come and help us set everything up for the parade. The base is a huge part of our community and I don't think it's better anywhere else."
According to Allen, Seymour Johnson AFB has participated in the Christmas Parade for more than two decades, with the wing commander being the grand marshal. In the past, base commanders have ridden on a horse, in an Explosive Ordnance Disposal vehicle, but this year Sage rode in a 4th Security Forces Squadron Humvee with his family during the parade.
"It's wonderful that Goldsboro recognizes the local base in its parade and all the great things they're doing," said Robyn Tyndall, resident of Wilmington, North Carolina. "My daughter got super excited to see that Humvee driving down the street in the parade. She loves seeing anything military and the military has a special meaning to our family being from a long line of veterans."
Tyndall added that it was a great parade and she loves hearing about all the things the base does throughout the community.
The parade unofficially kicked off holiday festivities in the local area and 4th Fighter Wing leadership encourages personnel and their family members to practice sound risk management and pay close attention to weather conditions, remain vigilant, and maintain proper situational awareness throughout the season.
"We are the best Air Force on the planet because of who we are, how we approach challenges, and what we do for our families and fellow Airmen,” said the Honorable Deborah Lee James, Secretary of the Air Force, in a message to Air Force personnel. "The Air Force and the Nation need every Airman ready and available to respond when and where called. Your family, friends, and Nation depend on you to make safety a priority in your winter and holiday plans. While enjoying the season, take care of yourself and take care of each other."