Dover AFB helps city salute Irish heritage

  • Published
  • By Susan E. Walls
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Everyone seems to become Irish on St. Patrick's Day ... and that's no blarney! 

Mother Nature gifted a beautiful and sunny day, and nearly 1,500 spectators lined Dover's Loockerman Street March 15, for the 15th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. More than 100 entries participated in the event.

More than 50 members of Team Dover helped its host city celebrate the "Wearin' of the Green," with a hometown parade, musical entertainment and a unique opportunity to experience the shopping, dining and attractions that continue to expand in downtown Dover.

The Dover Air Force Base Honor Guard led the parade carrying Old Glory, the Delaware Flag and Air Force flag. 

Grand Marshall of the 2008 parade was Father Thomas Hanley, Pastor Emeritus of Holy Cross Catholic Church, who has provided many years of faithful service to the church as well as the community. 

Members of the 436th Security Forces Squadron pitched in and brought McGruff the Crime Dog, and representatives from the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron brought their 1994 Kovatch Mobile Equipment Engine 9 to the parade. 

A contingent of more than 30 members from the Detachment 3, 373rd Training Squadron located here, marched in unison in their airman combat uniforms. 

According to Ed Perez, director of Main Street Dover Inc., he is continually impressed with the caliber of personnel represented by Dover AFB. "Everyone who contributes to this event each year is excited to participate and that really shines through to everyone." 

Wing leadership from the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings added to the parade line-up. Col. Steve Harrison, 436th AW commander and Col. Randy Bright, 512th AW commander, greeted the crowd from the cockpit of the T-37 Liberty Belle aircraft. 

The following are the winners from Saturday's parade: Pot O'Gold (anything with wheels) - Nur Shrine Potentate and Divan Members; Leprechaun Award (best marching unit) - Bagpiper William Franz; Blarney Award (best mascot) - Hammerin' Hawk from Del Tech; Aran Award (animal) - Tea Cup Green Poodles; Harp Award (best musical group) - The Hammerin' Hawks Drum Line from Del Tech; Shamrock Award (authentic Irish theme) - W. T. Smithers; Green Machine Award (best float) - Kent County 4-H and the Mary Fitzpatrick Award (best overall) went to Eastern Shore Natural Gas, for their float's depiction of a family of 'cavepeople' watching the Flintstones on their television. 

From beauty queens, politicians, fire trucks, motorcycles and classic cars, to Dover High School's Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, the 2008 Dover St. Patrick's Day Parade had something for everyone.