OSHKOSH (NBC 26) — Military veterans are being honored Friday night at EAA AirVenture with a special event.
People lined the sidewalks at AirVenture as the Salute to Veterans Parade went south through the warbird area to the show center.
"It's just wonderful," said Dale Rice, a U.S. Air Force veteran.
Rice served as a nurse in the Air Force for 30 years. In 1980, she was called to active duty and started out as a nurse in medical centers. She later joined the Air Evac Lifeteam, where casualties are moved by air.
"My dad was an Air Force veteran," Rice said. "I grew up hearing Air Force stories. I love air planes and decided that's what I wanted to do."
As a female military veteran, Rice was part of a group that paved the way for women to work their way up through the chain of command.
"In the 30 years that I was there, I saw a lot of changes," Rice said. "Women became pilots. Women could be commanders - I was the commander of a squadron - and the opportunities opened up to us."
Salute to Veterans Day at AirVenture honors veterans like Rice, who dedicated their time to service.
Salute to Veterans Parade today at #OSH22. Thank you to all who’ve served! pic.twitter.com/dLo7I4jsK4
— Kelsey Dickeson (@KelseyDickeson) July 29, 2022
"We are all about out veterans, because they did so much for our nation and for each one of us," said Rick Siegfried, EAA War Birds of America board member.
More than 350 warbirds are on display this year, a tribute to all military personnel.
"One of the reasons we started restoring these WWII vintage aircraft was once again to honor the people not only that flew them, but the people that built them, the people that maintained them," Siegfried said. "I mean, they're all an important part of that effort and that's all that we want to do.
On the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Air Force, Rice said days like this are even more special.
"It's just wonderful. I remember the 50th anniversary feels a little bit like yesterday," Rice said. It was an honor to serve and I loved every minute of it."
A variety of warbirds will take flight in the air show at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
