Liberty Wing member marches in inauguration parade

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 512th Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Through unyielding 15 mile per hour winds and the frigid chill, a 512th Airlift Wing member marched in the Presidential Inauguration Parade Jan. 20. 

Al Dutton, 512th AW assistant systems administrator, marched alongside eight of his fellow volunteer firefighters in representation of the Clayton Fire Company #1 incorporated.
 
Despite the 28-degree weather, the fire department veteran of 18 years, marched the 2-mile parade route past the new commander-in chief and his family. 

"It was the kind of cold that went right to the bone," said Mr. Dutton. "We all tried to keep moving, keep the blood flowing. People were trying to get shelter from the winds by getting behind the buildings."
 
The Delaware-native, a former active-duty Air Force telecommunications specialist, left Smryna, Del., for the Washington D.C. area at 5:30 a.m. to ensure an on-time arrival for the 7:00 a.m. parade. The assembly of Clayton County firefighters joined 46 companies from the Delaware Volunteer Fireman's Association, and its ladies auxiliary, to total 380 members. Three fire trucks, one from each county, also took the trip to Washington D.C.

After receiving word in early December they were chosen to participate in the parade, association officials asked each of the 61 Delaware fire departments to submit six volunteers to march as well as a list of alternates. The DVFA marched after the representatives of the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and in front of the University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hen Marching Band. 

The opportunity of taking part in this historic event outweighed the discomfort brought on by Mother Nature for the firefighter who volunteers his time to help those in his community. 

"It was awesome, a once in a lifetime experience," said Mr. Dutton. "We all were very excited to be there and participate in this event. It was an honor."