It’s Gasparilla Time: MacDill and the city of Tampa collaborate

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Nine Gasparilla parade safety briefings were held at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. on Jan. 13 -14, 2014. A member of the Tampa Police Department briefed all military personnel 26 years-old and younger on safety, security and force protection rules for the series of events that make up the Gasparilla.

Gasparilla is a celebration composed of multiple events throughout a one month period. The children's parade on Jan. 18, kicks off the celebration. The following events are the main day parade, the Ybor City Knight's parade, and two-day running events known as the distance classic. The main day parade takes place on Jan. 25, followed by the Ybor City Knight's parade Feb. 8.

"Tampa has always embraced its military members," said Edward Garcia Jr., 6th Security Forces Squadron chief of intelligence and investigations flight. "Gasparilla offers the MacDill community an opportunity to enjoy a memorable and very safe celebration."

Since 2009, MacDill Security Forces personnel have teamed up with volunteer First Sergeants to perform as liaisons with the Tampa Police Department. The military liaison team is posted at the event's Law Enforcement Joint Operations Center, where a team of local, state, and federal agencies monitor the event from start to finish.

"Our liaison members stay engaged with any incidents and threat intelligence updates and provide timely updates to the 6th SFS Base Defense Operations Center on any information that could affect MacDill Air Force Base and it team members," explained Garcia. "Being involved in the security aspects of the day parade provides team MacDill with immediate access to vital information in the event of an incident that could affect the base or team members."

The Gasparilla day parade is one of the largest in the nation, and draws an annual crowd between 300,000 to 500,000 spectators.

Along with providing security for the parade, MacDill also participates by creating a float to ride on during the parade and members of the various base agencies volunteer to represent MacDill on the float.

"It is great to see the community come out and celebrate this event," said Senior Master Sgt. Carlos Chavez first sergeant of the 6th SFS and parade volunteer. "These events increase morale and enhance our relationship with the community. I look forward to doing this again in the future."