In its very first year participating in the Rose Parade, Canadian nonprofit organization “Coding for Veterans” not only earned the best international float award but gave one American military family the surprise of the year.
The organization helps servicemen and women from the U.S. and Canadian Armed Forces transition from public service to the private sector, providing training in the burgeoning fields of cyber security and software development.
They work with the University of Ottawa and recently partnered with the University of Southern California to offer their online training courses that get former service members certification, sometimes in just months.
Making their Rose Parade debut, “Coding for Veterans,” rode down Colorado Boulevard in their float “Sounds of Success,” featuring a large animated laptop meant to demonstrate their new, tech-oriented post-military career.
But of course there’s also a fighter jet shooting flares, a Black Hawk helicopter with working rotors and tail, and a replica F-35 Lightning II jet to symbolize their sacrifice.
As they passed by parade goers, the Tiger Squadron, a precision formation flying and aircraft display team, graced the sky above with a flyover.
Before the parade, as the morning cold warmed into excited anticipation, Cpl. Gilbert Gradillas gave his wife a New Year’s miracle.
After not seeing his wife or son for 8 months while stationed overseas, the marine surprised them by popping out behind the float they would all soon be riding on.
“We didn’t know anything,” she said, as they embraced and shed happy tears.
“I am super happy,” Gradillas said, unable to stop smiling. “I can’t believe I am here right now.”
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