Nebraska honors veterans with 10th annual parade Published Nov. 2, 2009 By Debbie Aragon 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- For the 10th year, Heartland communities will come together in Bellevue Nov. 7 to honor our nation's military veterans during Nebraska's Official Veterans Parade. The event, which begins at 10 a.m. in Olde Towne Bellevue, is expected to draw more than 100 entries, including about 400 troops from Offutt. Grand marshals for this year's parade are the Air Force's Charter Chiefs who are celebrating 50 years of leadership. The Charter Chiefs are the first group of enlisted members to don chief master sergeant chevrons when the rank was first established in 1959. On Dec. 1 of that year, the announcement was made and 625 master sergeants were promoted to the rank of chief master sergeant. At the time, master sergeants needed to have at least 11 years of service and pass a written supervisory examination to be considered for promotion to E-9. "We selected the Charter Chiefs to be our grand marshals this year because they are a unique group of individuals and we're lucky enough to have two of them living in our community," said Megan Lucas, president of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce. "The creation of the chief master sergeant rank is one the most significant events in Air Force enlisted history," said 55th Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Lisa Sirois. "The Charter Chiefs set the standard and are a reminder of where we came from and I'm so happy that they're being honored for their service this year. "They paved the way for the entire Air Force enlisted force that followed them and served with an amazing amount of dignity," Chief Sirois added. Retired Chief Master Sgt. Ted Brewer, a member of the Charter Chiefs, will represent all Charter Chiefs during the parade. "Mr. Brewer represents this group of individuals well and we are thrilled to honor him and all of the Charter Chiefs this year on their 50th anniversary," Ms. Lucas said. After an RC-135 from the 55th Wing kicks off the parade with a fly-by, parade entries will begin to move down Mission Avenue and pass a reviewing stand near the Bellevue Little Theatre. They will then make a left on Franklin Street and end at Washington Park. "For the civilian community it is a joy to see our military men and women in the parade and on behalf of the retirees watching the parade it is a serious source of pride," Ms. Lucas said. "Watching the troops marching produces a significant emotional response that includes deep, deep pride, gratitude and safety. It's powerful to see for the children, the civilians, the retirees and the entire community." People who would like to arrive early for the parade can enjoy a pre-parade breakfast bar at the Fraternal Order of Eagles club on Franklin Street for $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for children. "I encourage everyone to arrive early have breakfast at the Downtown Coffee Shop or the Eagles Club, enjoy the parade then go to Mission Middle school for a piping hot bowl of chili while listening to some live entertainment," Ms. Lucas said. The parade is expected to conclude at approximately 11 a.m. with the Chili Feed at Mission Middle School immediately following. Chili or Soup with a dessert item and beverage will be available for $3. "Bellevue is proud to host Nebraska's Official Veterans Parade; it's a fabulous parade honoring those that have served and those that are serving," Ms. Lucas said, "and I encourage everyone to join us in Olde Towne Bellevue and watch the parade."