Cadets march in Mexican bicentennial

Left to right: Cadets 2nd Class Chris Ganczewski and Justin Harris, Cadets 1st Class Josh Stroud and Bryan Altman and Cadet 2nd Class Kathryn Stuard carry the American, Mexican and Air Force flags during a march in Mexico City's Plaza de la Constitución during Mexico's bicentennial celebration Sept. 16. Marching behind the honor guard are members of Cadet Squadron 19. (U.S. Air Force photo/Capt. Randy Sharpe)

Cadets march in Mexican bicentennial

Published Sept. 22, 2010

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- Approximately 40 cadets from the Air Force Academy took part in the annual El Grito celebration in Mexico City Sept. 16 to celebrate the bicentennial of Mexico's independence.

The Academy cadets, along with counterparts from the U.S. Military Academy and service academies from 16 other countries, visited the Mexican military academy, where they were treated to a week of cultural activities including tours of the Teotihuacan pyramids, the paleontology museum, national landmarks and the Mexican military academies' Class of 2010 graduations.

The capstone event, the El Grito parade, wound through the heart 4.4-mile parade route. In addition to the international contingent which included representatives from Russia, Taiwan, Venezuela, Canada, Argentina, France, and Spain, the Mexican military showcased equipment and more than 20,000 troops from all branches of military service.

The Air Force Academy cadets were selected from Cadet Squadron 19, the Cadet Wing's outstanding squadron for the 2010 academic year, as well as the Cadet Honor Guard and selected cadets from the Office of International Programs. Maj. Diane Ferrarini, the air officer commanding for CS 19, led the contingent, along with Capt. Randy Sharpe from International Programs and Master Sgt. Aurelia Watkiss, the Academy military training NCO for CS 19.