Joint Forces Training Base hosts community fireworks spectacular

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Crystal Housman
California National Guard Public Affairs

July 6, 2021

LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – One by one, cars streamed onto the tarmac of Los Alamitos Army Airfield at Joint Forces Training Base, July 4, while the local community gathered to celebrate Independence Day together as it has for more than three decades.

The 34th Annual Drive-Up Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular is hosted on the base and presented each year in partnership by the neighboring cities of Los Alamitos and Seal Beach.

"We’re really proud to be supporting this event once again," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael Leeney, who oversees the California National Guard's Installation Management Command which includes Joint Forces Training Base and other bases in the state. "It’s been 34 years… it's hard to believe."

An estimated 3,500 people attended the free festivities, which included military static displays, food vendors, and interactive displays by the Post 558 Infantry Explorers, recruiters from the California Army National Guard, and a heritage display by the California State Guard's Military Museum Command.

The weekend marked a return of live music for the 40th Infantry Division Band, who played their first full concert since the COVID-19 pandemic began Saturday evening and played again during the fireworks spectacular.

"It’s nice to play for people in real life," said Spc. Acacia Weber, a musician who plays wind instruments for the band.

Small sections of the band played some ceremonies over the past year and a virtual concert in November, she said, but full in-person concerts were shuttered.

"It’s nice to be able to see the reactions of people when they’re not just a screen in the chat box," Weber said.

The evening capped off with a lengthy fireworks display set to the sounds of patriotic music and a host of "oohs" and "ahhs."

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Michael Leeney, left, who oversees California National Guard's Installation Management Command, stands for a photo with local city, county and state elected officials during the Drive-Up Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular held July 4, at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos.

U.S. Army Spc. Acacia Weber plays "The Stars and Stripes Forever March" on her piccolo, July 4, while performing with the 40th Infantry Division Band.

A U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter from the California Army National Guard's 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, is on static display.

Teen girl in tan t-shirt puts green and black face paint on boy.

Cadet Luna Timmerwilke from the Post 558 Infantry Explorers, who meet on Joint Forces Training Base, applies camouflage face paint to Ashton Salazar, 6.

Families in camp chairs picnic on asphalt.

Families picnic on the tarmac of Los Alamitos Army Airfield while waiting for the sun to go down and the fireworks to begin.

Military recruiters talk with civilians under tan pop-up tent.

California Army National Guard recruiters talk with members of the public and pass out branded lanyards and other promotional items at their booth.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Chris Fossmo conducts the 40th Infantry Division Band during a full concert performance.

A military color guard presents the U.S. and California flags.

The California State Guard's Joint Services Color Guard presents the colors as the 40th Infantry Division Band plays the national anthem. From left: Staff Sgt. Juan Ossa, Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Lee, Staff Sgt. Georgina Perez, and Petty Officer 1st Class Joe Flannigan.

Man speaks on stage as three people stand behind him.

Los Alamitos Mayor Mark Chirco offers remarks as council members Jordan Nefulda (back left, hidden), Tanya Doby (center) and Mayor Pro Tem Shelley Hasselbrink look on.

Annalise Mai, 7, chases her brother Zander, 5, as the pair run and play while remarks are offered on stage.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Rodrigo Villagomez, right, and Spc. Angel Demelis, left, sing a Maroon 5 song while performing with The Guard Experience, a rock contingent of the 40th Infantry Division Band.

U.S. Army Sgt. Justin Tsugranes plays guitar while performing with The Guard Experience rock band from the 40th Infantry Division.

People lean against cars parked on airfield.

Community members lean against their cars and sit on the tarmac of Los Alamitos Army Airfield as the July 4 fireworks show begins overhead.

People are silhouetted against exploding fireworks.

Community members watch the fireworks show from the tarmac of Los Alamitos Army Airfield on Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos.

A pair of women watch the fireworks show from the tarmac of Los Alamitos Army Airfield.

Fireworks shoot from the ground up into the sky.

Fireworks shoot from the ground up to the sky over Los Alamitos Army Airfield on Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos.

Colorful fireworks light up the night sky over Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos.