QUANTICO, Va. -- Four personnel from Headquarters, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, represented OSI in a 140-person Air Force formation that marched in the 10th National Memorial Day Parade, Washington, D.C., May 26.

Master Sergeant Juan Arispe, Technical Sergeant Kelly Lazenby, Senior Airmen Patrick Smith and Latesha Oliver took part in the day's activities.

"It was truly our honor to march in tribute to our fallen and to all those that have served and continue to serve," MSgt. Arispe said.

One of the perks on that long, hot day was that the OSI members got to meet actor Gary Sinise (who portrayed the character Lieutenant Dan in the feature film Forrest Gump).

As it turned out, MSgt. Arispe was the "loudest" of the first sergeants who attended the event, so he had the honor of marching the formation during the parade.

Air Force senior leaders commented favorably on Airmen's voluntary participation, including those from OSI.

"I was seated in the reviewing stand with Lieutenant General [Stephen L.] Hoog (assistant vice chief of staff), and I have to say, our Airmen were looking mighty awesome as they marched in front for all to see. Thank all Airmen for representing us," said Chief Master Sergeant Jose A. Lugo-Santiago, Air Force District of Washington Command Chief.

Calling it an honor and privilege to march alongside formation personnel, Chief Master Sergeant James A. Keiler, 779th Medical Support Squadron, AFDW, gave special thanks to first sergeants for leading the formation, noting, in particular, that "MSgt. Arispe sounded like a former TI out there."