Email   Print   Share By Staff Sgt. David House, 85th CA Bde. Public Affairs

Facebook Digg Delicious July 12, 2012 | Leisure

The color guard of the 85th CA Bde. lead the brigade’s troops through the streets of Round Rock during a parade July 4. Staff Sgt. David House, 85th CA Bde. Public Affairs

Members of the 85th CA Bde. wave to the crowd and pass out treats from the Fox 7 Care Force float during the Independence Day parade held July 4 in Round Rock. Staff Sgt. David House, 85th CA Bde. Public Affairs

Maj. Joseph Coolman, 85th CA Bde., teaches his daughter, Addison, how to create a craft project during a barbeque picnic hosted by members of the Saint William Catholic Church in Round Rock, July 4. Staff Sgt. David House, 85th CA Bde. Public Affairs

ROUND ROCK - Members of the 85th Civil Affairs Brigade strengthened their partnership with the city of Round Rock by marching in the city’s Fourth of July parade in conjunction with Round Rock’s Annual Frontier Days celebration.

From boots pounding the ground, waving from the back of a colorful parade float and cruising inside a military Humvee, the members of the Warrior Diplomats Brigade came prepared to give the crowd their best effort.

“I can't tell you the pride that wells up inside and makes you feel good about what you do after seeing the reaction from the crowd,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Berry, the brigade command sergeant major. "You don't see any better support and love for this nation than you will see in Central Texas."

For others, it was a chance to meet an idol.

“Army men!” Tommy Hernandez, 6, exclaimed. “The Army men are my favorite. It is what I want to be when I grow up.”

Young and old alike, all were thankful to the men and women in uniform.

“It’s really great,” Round Rock resident Michelle Williams said. “I think it’s great that the Soldiers came out today and that we could show them how much we really appreciate what they do for our country.”

“I’m just glad we could do something like this to give back to the community,” Staff Sgt. Kimber De La Rosa said. “Being able to see how welcoming they are to us really hits home on a day like this, especially with how hot it has been recently.”

Despite the heat, thousands lined up along the city’s main street to see more than 125 parade entries, which kicked off the day’s celebration that was concluded with a fireworks display, back on this year after being canceled last year due to drought conditions and fire hazards.

"Thank you so much for being out here," Craig Bushon, the parade host and local radio announcer, said. "Having you guys in the parade really means a lot.”

The brigade continues their partnership with Round Rock and plans many more events in the future.