Get out and demonstrate patriotic spirit at AFAD

A 55-year tradition unofficially begins this Friday as the Mountain Home community comes together to showcase its support for the men and women of the armed forces. Air Force Appreciation Day, or AFAD for short, is a celebration whose reputation extends well beyond Elmore County and even our state.

In fact, a number of military members learn about it immediately after they get orders to Mountain Home Air Force Base. But what I think catches most of them off guard is the sheer magnitude of the celebration.

During my 25 years in the Air Force, I served at bases in a number of communities across the United States and overseas. A few of those towns didn't appreciate the military's presence. A few others claimed they supported the military or did what they could to show they were patriotic.

A celebration in Great Falls, Mont., was one that sticks in my mind. It provided plenty of food and prizes for everyone that attended. In fact, the first family portrait I had with my wife and our first daughter was made possible because we won a photo portrait package at that event.

However, organizers in that city made the celebration a strictly military-only event. Just to get through the gate, you had to present a military ID card.

That's not true in our community. No matter if you served in the armed forces, know someone who did or are simply curious, AFAD welcomes everyone to take part in the festivities.

I have to laugh from time to time when I run into people attending AFAD for the first time. Most of them are simply stunned by the number of people lining the streets of this city to catch the parade.

A few were convinced that the state's largest parade -- a reputation Mountain Home is proud to maintain by the way -- ran as long as it does because each entry was making two or more trips through town. Then they see all of the individual parade entries lined up and down the streets of our downtown area, which leaves a lot of them simply speechless.

Then there's the celebration in Carl Miller Park. It not only serves one of the largest (and free) barbecue lunches out there, it also showcases musical entertainment and other attractions well into the late afternoon.

All of this was made possible because people in this community came together wanting to do something for the men and women of the local Air Force base -- something that was not only memorable but also very special. They did it while never expecting anything in return.

It was people like Bill Sanders, Dean Wilson, Jim "Scrubby" Birchfield, Jack Streeter, Lloyd Waters, Roy Watson and Lyle Evans that worked countless hours to make the celebration so successful. Then there were others like Tom Hacker and Larry Ashcraft, who added events like the annual fun run and walk, which brings together people from across southern Idaho for an evening of friendly competition.

I know that I'm forgetting a number of people out there, but please know that your contributions are truly appreciated.

When compared to other communities across the United States, Mountain Home is pretty tiny with just over 14,000 people. But what makes us stand out over everyone else is our unwaivering patriotic spirit.

Sure there are those out there that will occasionally wave the American flag or beat on their chests saying they're proud to be an American. But that patriotic spirit is often fleeting and fades from memory quickly.

Remember all of the American flags that people had on display in front of their businesses and homes following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001? How many of those people still have that patriotic spirit or understand the sacrifices made by not only those in uniform but their families as well?

Mountain Home is, by far, the most patriotic communities I've ever seen. We don't draw attention to ourselves regarding patriotism because we live it each and every day.

Speaking of which, I have just one (hopefully) small request during this year's AFAD parade. When you see the Mountain Home Air Force Base Honor Guard or the American Legion honor guard approach bearing the American flag, please stop what you're doing, stand up, remove your hat and place it over heart and remain standing in silence until the Stars and Stripes pass by.

Be sure your children do the same so they understand the need to pay their respects.

Whether this is your first AFAD or your 55th, take time out of your busy schedule to join the thousands of citizens of our community to showcase our pride in the U.S. military and the ideals it represents.

You won't be disappointed.

-- Brian S. Orban