AFAD grand marshal named

Wednesday, August 20, 2014
John Gross receives a plaque designating him this year's Air Force Appreciation Day parade grand marshal as parade chairwoman Sue Gross, his wife, and prior grand marshal Billy Richey made the formal announcement on Monday.

For his efforts to keep the community's largest yearly event running smoothly over the past 20 years, John Gross will lead this year's parade during the 54th Annual Air Force Appreciation Day celebration.

Gross received the grand marshal honor during a chamber of commerce meeting Monday afternoon.

Continuing a tradition that began in 1970, selections for grand marshal are based on nominations from those who previously earned this distinction.

Billy Richey, who served as grand marshal during last year's parade, along with his wife, Mary Kay, lauded the contributions Gross made in support of the community's yearly event.

A plumbing contractor and Air Force veteran, his expertise and skills remained especially needed when issues arose at the cook shack in Carl Miller Park, Richey said. Organizers use the building to serve food to more than 5,000 people during each appreciation day celebration.

Much of the time, Gross remained hidden from view as he worked behind the scenes washing pots and pans used to serve these meals, Richey added. But that was only the beginning.

"For 16 years, he has helped with many details for the parade and is the lead parade 'marshaler,' ensuring the parade line up is in order and chaos doesn't reign," Richey said.

But the contributions made by Gross extend beyond AFAD, he emphasized.

"Last year, he took on the daunting task of painting the F-111 in the park," Richey said. "Years ago, he was one of the base personnel in the middle of the night who made sure the plane made its way from (Mountain Home Air Force Base) safely to Carl Miller Park."

Being named grand marshal for an event like this "represents the honor of serving our community," Gross said.

Admitting that he prefers to shun the limelight, "I wasn't looking at being rewarded for something I enjoy doing," he added.

Gross simply enjoys being where he is needed and to tackle the countless chores needed to keep the appreciation day celebration on track, he said.

Being the parade grand marshal will take some adjusting, Gross admitted.

"I've always enjoyed watching the parade. Now I will be in it instead," he said.

This year's AFAD festivities begin Sept. 5 in Carl Miller Park as base and community leaders gather to prepare 5,000 ears of corn for a free barbecue the following afternoon. The preliminaries continue at 6 p.m. that evening with a choice of a five-mile fun run or three-mile walk starting at Carl Miller Park.

The main AFAD events follow at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 6 with a parade that's often billed as one of the largest in the state. Appreciation day activities continue throughout the afternoon in Carl Miller Park at the corner of American Legion Boulevard and North 10th East Street.

Since its first observance in July 1961, the festival brings together military members and their families along with community leaders, local residents, private businesses and non-profit organizations from the Mountain Home area and across southern Idaho.

With less than a month to go before this year's events begin, AFAD organizers continue to accept registrations from groups planning to join the parade. As of Monday, organizers already had more than 40 entries registered for the parade, although they expect more groups to sign up as the event nears.