PERU, Ind. -- Grissom is often in the spotlight for providing support through its mutual aid agreement with local communities, but recently the base was front-and-center supporting the community in another way.
Five teams from the 434th Air Refueling Wing participated in the 58th Annual Circus City Festival parade in Peru, Indiana July 22 showcasing the unit’s support of local community.
The parade, originally created to honor the circus heritage of the town, has grown to include numerous organizations who have contributed to the history and heritage of the city.
“What an awesome opportunity for us to join our friends and neighbors to celebrate the rich history and heritage of Peru,” said Col. Larry Shaw, 434th ARW commander, who participated in the event. “We pride ourselves on being an integral part of the community and being involved in the parade is reflective of that involvement.”
Other participants from the Hoosier Wing included Grissom’s honor guard, fire department, security forces and an explosives ordnance disposal team.
“Grissom’s support added a lot to the parade,” said Mark Hall, Circus City Festival parade vice president. “This year’s participation from the base was one of the largest in history, and was greatly appreciated by the local community."
Hall added that the professionalism from the teams participating from the base was particularly showcased by the honor guard as they lead the parade earning them first place in the marching unit award.
“The teams from Grissom did an amazing job - the honor guard especially,” said Hall. “We look forward to having them back in the future!”
Grissom is home to the 434th ARW, the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command, but also three Army Reserve units and a Marine Corps Reserve communications detachment.
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