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Here's to heroes at Busch Gardens

A program, called Here's to the Heroes, provided free admission to the park on Saturday for the soldiers and their families. Close to 4,000 people showed up.

By BEN MONTGOMERY
Published October 22, 2006

TAMPA - The Methodist chaplain prayed for great memories, Gov. Jeb Bush said welcome home, and then 1,100 Florida National Guard veterans took to Busch Gardens like kids in fatigues.

But Jose Marquez, 57, who served in Afghanistan with the 53rd Infantry Brigade, just stared up at SheiKra, Florida's tallest roller coaster at 200 feet.

He watched a cart go over the edge and fall at a 90-degree angle.

He shook his head no.

"Not for a million dollars," he said.

But you've been in a war, he was nudged.

"I've taken enough risks in my life," he said.

The program, called Here's to the Heroes, provided free admission to the park on Saturday for the soldiers and their families. Close to 4,000 people showed up.

Military men pushed strollers through the Land of the Dragons. The roller coasters became blurs of desert camouflage.

Tough guys screamed.

Anheuser-Busch launched the event in early 2005 to acknowledge the service of military personnel and their families.

The soldiers said it made them feel good to know people care.

"It makes me feel like I did something important," said Spec. Jeff Wadkins, 20, who said his father wasn't treated with the same hospitality when he returned from Vietnam.

"The American public is a lot more supportive now," said Sgt. Chad MacConnell.

Staff Sgt. Lucas Ortiz, 44, waited for his family near the Bird Gardens. He was snapping his fingers.

"This is beautiful," said Ortiz, who returned a few months ago from Kabul, Afghanistan. "It's a long time coming."

Ben Montgomery can be reached at bmontgomery@sptimes.com or 813 661-2443.

[Last modified October 22, 2006, 08:21:06]