Prior military service vets --- “Fall-in!”
COLUMBUS --- Any military veteran desiring to march in the 2011 Columbus Ohio Veterans Day Parade on November 10, are invited to fall-in and be recognized… To do so, sign up at: www.milvets.org The 2011 Veterans Day parade theme is “ Kickoff to the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam War Veteran.”
Veterans able to march will report to check-in location at the corner of W. Nationwide Blvd and McConnell St., behind the arch, which is across from Nationwide Arena. Vets should fall-in to marching ranks by their branch of service and prepare to move out for the 1 and ½ mile parade that starts at noon. “Yes!” wear your uniform.
Any prior service veteran looking to rejoin the Army Reserves should bring along a copy of their DD Form 214 to quickly talk with Army recruiters about their eligibility.
This year is the 25th Anniversary of the Columbus based Military Veterans Educational Foundation or better known as MILVETS, which is comprised of a handful of volunteers.
These MILVET veterans organize, produce, promote and operate the Columbus DoD Regional Veterans Day parade in November, plus the Armed Forces Day luncheon on the third Friday in May, each year.
This year’s Parade Captain is Tom Foley, a retired USAF Reservist, and a former chief of base public affairs for Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base from 1986 until 1994. Foley, who was instrumental on the team that produced five Military air shows at Rickenbacker where nearly 1.5M visitors attended, is currently serving as a public affairs specialist with the U.S. Army Columbus Recruiting Battalion.
Foley too, is one of the longest serving MILVETS trustees as he plans to cap off his 25-years with this parade. “I need to move on to volunteer elsewhere,” says Foley. “Hopefully, I can do some volunteer hospital work at the Veterans Clinic amongst other projects --- Veterans have done so much for this country, so now is not the time for me to sit on the sidelines.”
MILVETS officers include, New Albany resident Bob Thurman-president, Hilliard resident Rick Isbell-vice president, Worthington resident Tom Ellis-treasurer and Columbus resident Joe Jennings -secretary.
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