We are honored to announce that U.S. Air Force Veteran Kevin Carrick has been selected to serve as the Grand Marshal of the 2021 New York City Veterans Day Parade!
This “local hero” represents the Air Force (our featured service) as well as veterans of all service branches and eras.
Kevin is a retired Senior Master Sergeant who served for over two decades as a pararescueman with the 106th Rescue Wing out of the Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton, Long Island. As a pararescueman (also known as a “PJ”), Kevin was a member of an elite but little known part of our nation’s Special Forces — the only one dedicated to saving lives.
Kevin served on numerous overseas combat deployments helping rescue downed airmen and other wounded U.S. military personnel. In addition, he participated in countless civilian rescues on sea and land, jumping in to save New Yorkers and other individuals beyond the reach of other rescue efforts.
Significantly, for the 20 year anniversary of 9/11, Kevin was part of our nation’s first military response immediately following the attacks, deploying to Ground Zero to aid in initial search and rescue efforts.
Kevin still lives near the 106th’s Westhampton base, providing guidance and inspiration to the next generation of service members — including those who deployed in support of the COVID crisis this past year.
Stay tuned for more about Kevin and for plans for the 2021 New York City Veterans Day Parade!