3rd ID, a staple in military participation for Savannah's St. Patrick's Day Parade

By Sgt. William Begley, 3rd Combat Aviation BrigadeMarch 21, 2014

Reviewing Stand
The 3rd Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Mike Murray returns the salute of 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade commander John D. Kline as he passes by during the St. Patrick�'s Day Parade downtown Savannah March 17.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Representing the marching "Dog Face" soldiers in the 190th Savannah's St. Patrick's Day Parade March 17 was Brig. Gen. Peter L. Jones, deputy commanding general-support, 3rd Infantry Division. This parade is an annual opportunity for the division and local military leaders to display their support to the community, and help celebrate one of the largest parades of its kind in the country.

The rainy weather did not prevent the more than 200 soldiers of the 3rd ID to show up wearing green to march. Additionally, the 3rd ID band motivated their way down the streets of Savannah stopping often to play a tune and interact with the spectators. Elements from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade provided the soldiers and leadership for the marching formation.

Leading his battalion through downtown Savannah was Lt. Col. Phillip Mazingo, commander of 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd CAB.

"I'm pretty excited that we get the military out into the community to support such a big event here in Savannah. Hunter Army Airfield is such a big part of the community here," said Mazingo. "It's just great that we can come out here and be such a presence for this great community."

Mazingo later said after participating that it was a great experience and he had a wonderful time meeting and interacting with all the people.

Army Capt. Ovidio Riveracastro, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd CAB is the Brigade community relations officer and marching in his first parade during this March holiday. Riveracastro said before participating that in 21 years of Army service he has not participated in a parade of this magnitude. His job as a COMREL officer means he plans the unit's support for community events and sees the good working relationship with have.

"It is important to me to give back to the customer," said Riveracastro. "The request for our unit to participate, and the coordination that is involved in supporting this event is a testament to the relationship we have with the local community."

Army Spc. Iesha Holloway, HHC, 3rd CAB said before marching that she was curious about the spectators with red lipstick kissing parade participants on the cheek and wants to see for herself. After the parade she reflected.

"It was a lot of fun and I would do it again; I liked it a lot," said Holloway. "Some of the people were a little crazy and all the soldiers were motivated. Everybody was cheering us on. It made me feel good to be a soldier."

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/122156/3rd-id-staple-military-participation-savannahs-biggest-event#.Uyw4kP4rhdg#ixzz2wbO0y9Wg