Two Tucson veterans will serve as grand marshals for the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade on Friday.
George Poppe and Michael Quezada, both Air Force veterans, were nominated by John Spiekermeier, a fellow veteran and longtime friend. In a news release, Spiekermeier said it was an honor to nominate the men, saying they taught him about selflessness and service to those in need.
In the Air Force, Quezada was an enlisted aircraft communications/technician deployed to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Spain to support missions during Operation Desert Storm. His commitment and attention to detail contributed to a 100% success rate for more than 100 KC-135A and KC-135R combat missions, earning him and his comrades a Galant Unit Citation.
Michael Quezada
George Poppe
Quezada’s 30 years in the Air Force included a rank of first sergeant where he supervised more than 300 personnel. His service took him around the world supporting a variety of missions.
Poppe was a 23-year Air Force veteran who was deployed seven times, including three deployments to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. For his first two deployments to Afghanistan, Poppe was first sergeant and served as a principal advisor to six commanding officers and more than 1,000 personnel.
During his third deployment, Poppe led 14 personnel in aircraft weapons system maintenance while supporting the mental and emotional well-being of his troops while they were away from families and loved ones.
The Tucson Veterans Day Parade starts on Friday at 11 a.m.
Two years ago, Poppe’s brother’s family was in a car accident, leaving his nephew orphaned. Poppe stepped in and has raised his nephew.
The Phoenix parade is estimated to have more than 45,000 veterans from every foreign war or conflict from World War II through Afghanistan, the news release said. The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the intersection of East Montebello and North Central avenues in Phoenix.
Tucsonans, meanwhile, can also celebrate veterans at a parade Friday in the downtown area (see box).
Photos: 100th annual Tucson Veterans Day Parade
Michael Baltier, left, and Will Sullivan salute during the National Anthem at the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
A war veteran waves to crowd during the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019. Hosted by Morgan McDermott, American Legion Post 7 and the City of Tucson, the Veterans Day Parade had exactly 100 applicants march during the parade. There were little kids waving flags, kids dressed in military attire, decorated floats and signs thanking veterans.
Club Scout group 115 marches during the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
Benito Celaya, left, waves a flag as ROTC students march during the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
Estevan Altamirano puts his hand over his heart during the National Anthem before the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
Jackie Peruche, center, waves her small American flag with other members of The Red Hat Society during the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
Girl Scouts troop 401 talks to the crowd during the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
A member of the Sabbar Shine high fives the crowd during the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
Little kids with their families wave flags prior to the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
Rio Rico High School Hawk Battalion marches during the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
A member of Sabbar Shine Legion of Honor waits in their float before the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
Guard perform the changing of the guard before the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
Kids sing the national anthem on a float representing the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade during the parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
Laurette Esslinger, veteran of the United States Air Force, listens to the National Anthem with her husband Randy Esslinger and daughter Julia Esslinger during the 100th annual Veterans Day Parade at W. Alameda St. and N. Granada Ave. on November 11th, 2019.
Several dozen World War II veterans are expected to attend D-Day commemoration ceremonies Monday in France, as crowds return for the 78th anniversary. Visits and services have for two years been reduced to a minimum due to COVID-19 restrictions.
