On Saturday, the 11th of May, the City of Homestead held its annual Military Appreciation Day in Losner Park. The park and two blocks of Krome Avenue were filled with military unit displays, music, food trucks, military vehicles, kid’s games and activities, and vendors. Sponsors for the event included the South Dade News Leader, Texas Roadhouse, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Homestead Main Street, the Historic Seminole Theater, the Military Affairs Council, and the Miami Herald.
On hand for the opening ceremony were Homestead City Council members Jenifer Bailey, Clemente Canabal, and Larry Roth. They were joined by City Manager Zerry Ihekwaba and State Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez. The Homestead Police Explorer Honor Guard presented the Colors, and the crowd was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Senior Master SGT Andrew Reynoso. The National Anthem was performed by Lucas Saavedra of the Seminole Theater Players.
While the event’s theme is to show appreciation to all military members and their families, it also gives the public a chance to meet them and to better understand what they do and some of the equipment they use. The 482nd Fighter Wing had displays from their Security Forces and their Explosive Ordnance Disposal (bomb squad) units. The Florida Air National Guard’s 125th Fighter Wing showed armament and pilot equipment. The Coast Guard brought one of their Fast Response Boats. The most extensive and varied display was from Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) with weapons, individual soldier equipment, night vision devices, communications gear, and 2 different parachutes. Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Command helped both kids and adults handle and try on the equipment.
Army Captain Pat Bauk, who is the Headquarters Commandant at SOCSOUTH, told us “It’s events like these where we get the opportunity to interact with the public and talk about our mission and a little about what we do down range. We’ve got 10 Army, Navy, and Airforce individuals out today to represent the Joint Force assigned to SOCSOUTH.” He concluded, “We really appreciate all the support we get from the community day in and day out. Whether it’s a thank you at the gas station, or all the support we get from the City of Homestead and the Military Affairs Council. It helps us do what we do and really improves the quality of life for our people and their families.”
For more information about what the Command is doing Captain Bauk suggested that people follow SOCSOUTH on Facebook and Instagram. Another very popular demonstration was the Homestead Police Department’s K-9 Unit. Showing off the skills of both the working dogs and their handlers, the public had the chance to see both drug detection and patrol work. At the conclusion of the demo, spectators got a chance to meet and even pet K-9 Joe. At day’s end, this was a highly successful and enjoyable event for Military Members, their families, Veterans, and the public.
