Wednesday, November 4, 2015 12:58 pm

The Grand Marshal for the 2015 Veterans Day Parade this year is a family matter. The Bailey Family was selected for their combined service to our country. Isaac Floyd Bailey Jr., United States Air Force; Mark Bailey, United States Marine Corps; Kim Bailey, United States Navy.

ISAAC FLOYD BAILEY, entered the United States Air Force on 17 May 1948 at Lackland AFB, Texas. The Air Force had just become a separate Branch of the Military Services in 1947, so these were some exciting times for a young airman from Woodbury. Private Bailey was assigned to the Headquarters 2594 Air Force Ordnance. He attended the Air Force Technician School and was trained as an AP4 Engine Mechanic and Jet Propulsion. He
also completed college algebra courses at Balboa Jr. College.
There have always been various reasons for being a part of the Armed Services of our great country. Whether you joined or were drafted you wanted to serve God and Country, and our fellow Americans. Floyd Bailey Jr. is one such person. He joined the Air Force right out of high school in 1948, at the beginning of the conflict in the Pacific, with a
couple of his buddies from Cannon County, Grady Jennings and Harry Grizzle. They headed to Texas for boot camp and training. During his time in the service he learned about discipline, honor, and respect for the men and women who chose to serve their country. He enjoyed the camaraderie that you experience when you all have one goal in mind. Floyd to this day
celebrates the veterans who have given generously of themselves and the men and women who continue to stand for this great nation.

MARK BAILEY: United States Marine Corps 1982-1986. Stationed at
Millington, TN., Lemoore, CA., and E.L. Toro, CA. He went to boot camp in 1982 at Paris Island, S.C. Mark said it was both mentally and physically challenging, but looking back on it now, it was a wonderful experience. He was one of ten men who worked in a start up
program for the FA-18 Fighter Aircraft Radar I Level System. The system allowed pilots to target their enemy and fly in adverse conditions and then bring them back home safely. He said to this day the sound of jet engines bring back the awe and amazement I feel for the aircraft and its power. I learned to respect those who had served before and had
sacrificed all.

KIM BAILEY, United States Navy, stationed at Millington, TN., Lemoore, CA., and Miramar, CA. In August 1982 Kim went to boot camp at Orlando, FL. She said it was a terrible, but wonderful experience. You can learn so much about yourself and your strengths. From there she was sent to mechanic (AMC) school in Millington, TN. After school she was stationed in Lemoore, CA. and worked on the FA-18 which was a pilot training program for the newer FA-18 aircraft. She worked on the ejection seats, canopies, pressurization and maintained many parts of the exterior of the aircraft. She said that her military service taught her a great
deal about honor and respect. She said it taught me about team work and the need to have each others backs. I look back to those years as some of my most challenging.