Six 90th SFG Airmen participate in Mardi Gras

Five 90th Security Forces Group Airmen were selected for a trip to Mardi Gras: Staff Sgt. Taurus Cooper, 90th Security Support Squadron; Senior Airman Ananias Hill, 90th Missile Security Forces Squadron; Airman 1st Class Matthew McCullough, 790th Missile Security Forces Squadron; Airman 1st Class Wesley Arrambide, 90th MSFS; and Airman 1st Class Kristine Campbell, 90th SFS. Tech. Sgt. Jared Moran, 90th SFS, will be attending as an escort. Col. David Martinez, 90th SFG commander, speaks with them about New Orleans infrastructure (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee).

Six 90th SFG Airmen go to Mardi Gras

Published Feb. 1, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee
90th Space Wing Public Affairs

F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Five Airmen and an escort from the 90th Security Forces Group were chosen to represent the Air Force while riding a float in New Orleans' Mardi Gras celebration Jan. 26.

The Airmen departed Cheyenne Jan. 23 for New Orleans, La. After arriving, they drove to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., where they stayed for the trip.

"We work pretty hard, and we have earned the right to do this," said Col. David Martinez, 90th SFG commander. "These five Airmen are being treated to an experience they most likely would never have had the opportunity to do."

The security forces group conducted a fundraiser to raise money for the trip. Senior leadership from the squadron randomly selected the Airmen.

Colonel Martinez, being from the New Orleans area, called different organizations to find a group to sponsor Warren Airmen in a float for one of the earlier Mardi Gras parades.

Mary Katherine Lonatro-Tusa, a captain in the Mystic Krewe of Shangri-la, expressed interest in allowing the Airmen to participate in some of their scheduled activities.

"She's aided us in obtaining beads, cups, party favors as well as allowing our personnel to ride on their float in an actual parade," said Master Sgt. Greg Simpson, 90th SFG. "She's set it up where our folks will meet the mayor and receive a proclamation and everything.

"Hat's off to the Krewe of Shangri-la for their assistance."

The Airmen returned to Cheyenne Tuesday, smiling with echoes of the parade screaming still in their head.

"It was an amazing event," said Tech. Sgt. Jared Moran, 90th Security Forces Squadron. "It was an experience of a life time. We were all treated as royalty."