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Video by Sgt. John Carkeet IV

A Century of Honor and Gratitude: 143d ESC participates in 19th Annual Orlando Veterans Day Parade

143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Nov. 10, 2018 | 2:59

Lead:

ORLANDO, Fla. - Red, white and blue flags and ribbons adorned downtown Orlando, Florida, where thousands of spectators showed their patriotism during the 19th Annual Veterans Day parade Nov. 10, 2018. The event marked the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, an historic milestone that helped forge the establishment of Veterans Day as a national holiday.

Among the honored veterans were more than 50 Soldiers from the 143 Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) headquartered near the heart of the city beautiful. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Carkeet showcases the Soldiers’ pride, love and gratitude for those who served before them, those who serve with them, and those who support them on the homefront.

Total Running Time: 02:59

Interviewees:

00:19: Maj. Sherry Crawford, Deputy Inspector General, Mission Support Element, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

00:48: Col. Wanda Hawley, Commander, Mission Support Element, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

01:01 Spc. Vanessa Robinson, Human Resource Specialist, Mission Support Element, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

01:18 Master Sgt. Robert Cardines, Medical Operations NCO, Mission Support Element, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

01:28 Chief Warrant Officer 3 Eric Grabill, Property Book Officer, 143d ESC
Hometown: Altoona, Pennsylvania

Director/Editor: Staff Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143d ESC
Camera Operator: Sgt. 1st Class Rauel Tirado, 204th PAD

Date Recorded: Nov. 10, 2018

Location: Orlando, Florida

Narration:
Downtown Orlando reached a patriotic fever pitch as cheering crowds and popular music complemented colorful floats and fluttering flags during the city’s 19th Annual Veterans Day parade conducted Nov. 10, 2018.

Among the dozens of school bands, first responder units, and veteran organizations marched more than 50 Soldiers from the 143d Expeditionary Sustainment Command, a U.S. Army Reserve logistics command compromising more than 10,000 Soldiers and headquartered near the heart of the City Beautiful . [Orlando]

The unseasonably warm temperature matched the warm reception given to the Soldiers from participants and attendees alike.

The parade gained greater significance as the festivities marked the centennial anniversary of Armistice Day, the date that marked end of the First World War laid the inspirational foundation for America to create a national holiday dedicated to veterans from every war.

Although high praise rightfully belonged to the men and women in uniform, many Soldiers marching that day expressed their pride and gratitude to their friends and loved ones on the homefront.