The USAF HG 'Celebrates America' at Disneyland

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nichelle Anderson
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
ANAHEIM, Calif. --  The United States Air Force Honor Guard participated in "Celebrate America," at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, July 2-5, 2015.

During "Celebrate America," Disneyland guests commemorated Independence Day with a variety of events, including performances from the USAF Honor Guard.

"Walking through the gates to perform at Disneyland was surreal," said Senior Airman Christopher Horton, USAF Honor Guard drill team member. "I grew up in California and I use to come here all the time to see people perform. But, to walk out with everyone looking at me; it was so surreal, it was an eye opening moment."

Forty-five members from the honor guard came to Disneyland to perform including members from the drill team, colors team and the ceremonial guard.

"I'm excited to be here because I enjoy my job and our global outreach mission," said Staff Sgt. Dawn Egbeulu, USAF Ceremonial Guardsmen colors team. "The reactions we see from the public while performing makes me proud to represent the USAF."

More than 200,000 people watched the Honor Guard as the while they participated in numerous drill performances and parades around the resort.

"They were absolutely tight. I enjoyed the performance and I was impressed," said Marine Corps veteran Ron McGath. "I got goosebumps watching them."
Disneyland has a long standing tradition in inviting military service members out to the park to perform.

"Military performers are among the best in the country and we are honored to host them at the Disneyland Resort on a special day like the Fourth of July, continuing both a tradition started by Walt Disney 60 years ago on opening day and our legacy of first-rate entertainment," said Shawn Kelly, Disneyland Resort, manager of guest talent.

The mission of the USAF Honor Guard is to represent Airmen to the American public and the world. The vision of the honor guard is to ensure a legacy of Airmen who: promote the mission; protect the standards; perfect the image; and preserve the heritage.

"It very important for us to come and perform at heavy populated places like Disneyland," said Capt. Cahn Wadhams, USAF Honor Guard drill team flight commander. "We want to teach the American public what the Air Force is all about and maybe inspire a young teen to join the military and inspire the civilian population to support what we do."

For more information about the USAF Honor Guard go to www.honorguard.af.mil or like them on Facebook at US Air Force Honor Guard.