Tribute to Our Fallen Troops

 Airmen from Edwards Air Force Base, along with local service members, joined Prayer Angels for the Military in their annual Independence Day Tribute honoring Santa Clarita’s Fallen Troops. The Prayer Angel Team, including SCV Gold Star Families, and SCV Young Marines, presented another heartwarming entry in this years’ 4th of July parade. Thousands stood in respect, with veterans saluting, and people clapping, as the Young Marine Color Guard led the way for a touching tribute to our thirteen local fallen service members, post 9/11. Sadly, this year, two more banners were added. Ed & Kathy Colley lost a second son, Army MAJ Alan E. Colley on September 7, 2017, and Joe & Cindy Del Bagno lost their son USAF Maj Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno on April 4, 2018. Marchers proudly carried the photo banners of these heroes, a reminder to all of us, of the cost of protecting our freedoms.
Honored in chronological order, were PFC Robert “Robby” Michael Wilson, SGT Dean Glen Todd Jr, LCpl Richard “Ricky” P. Slocum,  PFC Cole W. Larsen,  PFC Jose Ricardo “Ricky” Flores-Mejia,  SGT Dennis L. Sellen Jr,  SPC Stephen E. Colley, SGT John Michael Conant, SGT Ian Timothy D, Gelig, Pfc Jake W. Suter, SPC Rudy A. Acosta, MAJ Alan E. Colley, and Maj Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno.
Proudly participating from Edwards AFB were CMSgt Elva Shipp and SMSgt David Poff, carrying the photo banner of USAF Thunderbirds pilot Maj Stephen “Cajun” Del Bagno. Also from base was TSgt Geoff Bell, on board the Gold Star float, along with Army SSG Scott Lawson and Marine SSgt Bret Arganbright from our local Recruiting Centers. Marine
LCpl Luis Angel Lopez Morones also joined the team for this years’ heartfelt tribute. It’s so nice to see a community that really shows their appreciation for all our military members, past and present.
Following the tribute for our fallen, was the beautifully decorated themed float, with a display of famous Grand Old Flags, including large photo prints of the corresponding historical events. On board were Gold Star Parents of the fallen, including Tim & Delia Gelig, Silvia Sellen and Kitty Conant. They were touched by the expressions of gratitude from the community, and took comfort in knowing that their sons will never be forgotten.
The crowd cheered and sang along as actor/singer Bob Zachar belted out the high spirited “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue” by Toby Keith. Oscar Rogel, local Iraq Veteran, accompanied Bob on his guitar for another great performance together. Bob Zachar has graciously sung, many times, on the Prayer Angel’s 4th of July parade floats, and at several military events in Santa Clarita, including the annual Military Honor Christmas Tree Lighting held at the Veterans Historical Plaza in Newhall. Once again, Prayer Angels for the Military was happy to organize this wonderful tribute to our fallen service members.