Col. Daniel P. Swift: Keynote speaker for Memorial Day Parade
PITTSFIELD – The Office of Veteran’s Services and the City of Pittsfield will host a Memorial Day Parade and Observances on Monday, May 26, 2008. The parade will begin at Pittsfield City Hall at 10:00 proceeding to Pittsfield Cemetery. The Guest Speaker is retired Col. Daniel P. Swift Wing Commander, Barnes Air Nation Guard Base, and Westfield, MA.Col. Swift graduated from St. Michael’s College, Winooski, VT. In 1976 was commissioned as 2nd Lt. In 1978 Selected as a T-37 instruction pilot. Col Swift transitioned to the A-10 Warthog and flew the proud best for almost 20 years with tours in England AFB, LA, with a 9-month tour at King Fahad AB Saudi Arabia for Desert Storm. Col. Swift joined the MA Air Guard in 1991 serving as Commander and flew several combat sorties over Bosnia and Kosovo in 1995. Col. Swift retired as the assistant Director of Operations in Sept. 2001 with 25 years of service, over 5,000 hours of flight time including 3500 hrs in the A-10 single seat and 3 combat tours.
Col. Swift’s awards include: Legion of Valor, the Bronze Star, Air Medal with 3 devices, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 devices and AF Commendation Medal.
Mayor James M. Ruberto will proclaim the week beginning May 26, 2008 as “Military HERE at HOME” week in Pittsfield, MA.
Others in the line of march will include:
Vietnam Veterans chapter # 65
Barnes Air National Guard Honor Guard
Pittsfield Police Honor Guard
Pittsfield High Marching Band
Taconic High Marching Band
Mary Verdi Band
Boy Scout Troop #20
Cub Scouts
Jim Curry antique Jeep
HERE at HOME committee w/ Soldiers
F-15 Fighter Jet fly-over Barnes ANG
The Pittsfield Veteran’s Service Office invites and encourages our returning soldiers to march and honor our fallen service members who gave their lives to protect our country.
