4 June 2007
KATY, TX- Thunderbird Composite Squadron was invited to be a part of the Katy “Welcome Home the Troops Parade” on Saturday June 2, 2007 in Katy, TX. Many people lined the streets of this small town located west of Houston to welcome several groups of Nation Guard soldiers dressed in digital BDU’s. Humvees lead the way for each unit as they marched down the tree lined streets.  

Waving American flags and cheering loudly, the onlookers welcomed not only our troops but Navy Sea Scouts, Cub Scouts, veterans of all ages. Maj Green, dressed in a vintage CAP flight suit, marched in the parade along with three other men dressed in vintage uniforms proudly carrying an Air Force flag. Corvettes, RV’s, and a crazy car that can be driven either way were a part of this festive day.

he parade ended at the Katy VFW hall where many hard working volunteers served a lunch of BBQ beef and chicken with all the fixings. Congressman Nick Lampson was inside the hall greeting the voters. He came by to greet the cadets and congratulated C/2d Lt Keith Kasmarek on his appointment to the Naval Academy. All of the Thunderbird cadets were proud to be a part of this patriotic event. “This was a wonderful event, I am happy we were invited to be a part of something so important,” said Maj Mike Hopkins, Thunderbird squadron commander. “This is a good way to show support for our troops and it’s a good experience for the cadets.”

Article and photos submitted by Denise Thompson, Capt, CAP