Photos and Story by WO1 Ed Shevlin – New York Guard Public Affairs
Rockaway Beach, NY – On Saturday, March 4th, 2023, forty service members assigned to the 88th Area Command (AC), of the New York Guard marched in the 48th Annual Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Rockaway Beach.
This hometown parade is recognized as the second largest St Patrick’s Day parade in the State of New York, bested only by the New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade on 5th Avenue.
New York Guard 1LT James Chin, a resident of Queens, assigned to the operations section of the 88th Area Command noted that, “Given that our military lineage traces back to the Civil War Irish Brigade, it is appropriate that we participate in events such as this”.
The 88th AC area of operations includes the five Boroughs of New York City, and Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island.
“As the only military unit marching in this parade, we presented a professional appearance which was greatly appreciated by the crowds along the Line of March”, Chin added.
The 88th AC was honored with the selection of Command Sergeant Major Steve Vera as Deputy Grand Marshall of the 48th Annual Queens County St Patrick’s Day Parade.
“It was an honor to be named Deputy Grand Marshall of the Queens County St Patrick’s Day Parade and I accept this position on behalf of those Soldiers of the 88th who were forced to march into battle while we march in celebration.”, said Vera.
In addition to the accolade, the 88th AC was presented with a plaque commemorating Staff Sergeant James Rodriguez who passed away just one day after marching in the 2015 parade. The plaque was accepted by CSM Steve Vera and SFC Becky Rodriguez, the daughter of SSG Rodriguez.
“We were grateful when members of the National Guard and the New York Guard were among the first to come to our aid after Hurricane Sandy left us looking like a war zone. So, when we see the Soldiers of the New York Guard marching down our streets during the Rockaway St Patrick’s Day Parade, it is no wonder they receive the loudest claps and cheers”, said Katie McFadden, Editor of the Rockaway Times.
The Queens County St Patrick’s Day Parade has long been a valuable platform for strengthening relations between the citizenry of the barrier peninsula of the Rockaways and the New York Guard.
Staff Sergeant Eddie Santiago with the 88th Area Command noted, “Our Soldiers love this parade. The crowds are very enthusiastic and welcoming of the New York Guard. We don’t often get this kind of support so when it comes our way it is a good feeling.”
The Rockaway Park/Belle Harbor neighborhood through which the parade passes has suffered much during recent years. The attacks of 9/11 took 80 people from this small town, and the utter devastation of Superstorm Sandy left not a home untouched in this patriotic neighborhood.
“The parade is also extremely popular with the members of the 88th, many who have been marching here for years. It give the service members a good feeling to feel like the area appreciated by the community for their service”, added Santiago.
To learn more about the New York Guard visit https://www.nyginfo.com/
To see all the photos of the event click here https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAvsfk
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