Central Florida National Guard Members and their families got a little Goofy on June 12. But what can you expect when you are at the most “magical” place on earth? Disney World.

The AUSA Sunshine Chapter managed the Florida Army National Guard Welcome Home held at Disney's Wide World of Sports. The troops and their families were recognized for their contribution to the Global War on Terror with Salute to Florida's Heroes. During the ceremony the City of Orlando proclaimed June 12 as Florida National Guard Day in recognition of the Guard's contributions to the state.

The troops marched proudly into Cracker Jack Stadium to start the ceremony as Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer's Veterans Advisory Council displayed a 20-foot by x 30-foot American flag on the third base side of the field. The troops in the outfield saluted for the Voices of Liberty's performance of the National Anthem as the crowd in the stands looked on and listened in patriotic reverence.

After a tribute to fallen soldiers by Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Ray Quinn, the soldiers filed from the outfield to their seats, where the speakers addressed them. State Command Sgt. Major Warren Gamache commended the soldiers as they left the field.

Speakers at the event included: Florida Lieutenant Governor Toni Jennings; Maj. Gen. Douglas Burnett, Adjutant General of the Florida National Guard; Walt Disney World President Al Weiss; Lt. Col. Joe O'Connell, president of the Sunshine Chapter of the Association of the United States Army and several local officials.

Florida National Guard members being honored at the 12 June “Salute to Florida's Heroes” ceremony at the Disney Wide World of Sport complex, stand in formation on the infield of Cracker Jack Stadium.
Photo by Spc. Andrew Hillegass, 107th MPAD.

Following the ceremony the Soldiers and families received two-day pass packages to all Walt Disney World parks as a thank you for providing protection of American freedom. The Sunshine Chapter donated $5000 and solicited contributions of another $26,500 to pay for the meals of the families that participated in the Governor's Welcome Home Ceremony at Disney. The meals were for lunch/dinner plus snacks for each family member (numbering over 2000). At the event we had multiple soldiers and other patriots desire to join AUSA as a result of this highly visible effort.