Veterans Day parade Nov. 11 in Apache Junction

The annual Apache Junction All American Veterans Day Parade has four grand marshals for 2026: Orland I. Adams, Bambi Johnson, Justin B. Orange and Janet Snyder.

The opening ceremony starts at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Phelps Drive and Apache Trail. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. and heads west on Apache Trail, U-turning at Gold Drive and heading east on Apache Trail back to Phelps.

Parade entries are $15, with staging beginning at 7 a.m. Parade entry and sponsorship forms are available on Facebook @AJVeteransParade.

For information, call 480-560-8863 or email thetimbesfamily@gmail.com

Following the parade, celebrate our veterans at Apache Junction Elks Lodge No. 2349 at an open house and BBQ at 2455 N. Apache Trail in Apache Junction. Meet the parade grand marshals.

This year’s grand marshals are:

Justin B. Orange

Orange was born Jan 27, 1987 in Rome, Georgia. He enlisted into the Marine Corps at the age of 18 where he was shipped to boot camp at MCB Parris Island, South Carolina, in January 2006. Upon graduating from boot camp he attended his MOS school to become an infantry Marine. He graduated School of Infantry and then received orders to report to 1st Battalion 2nd Marines 2nd Mar Div on MCB Camp Lejuene, North Carolina.

Orange then spent the next eight years with 1st Bn 2nd Mar fighting the war on terrorism with operations conducted in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and various Marine Expeditionary Units, completing five combat deployments as an infantry rifleman, team leader and squad leader. He also served as a Marine Corps combat instructor for two years before he was medically retired in December 2016.

Awards: Three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, two Combat action Ribbons (Iraq, Afghanistan), a Presidential Unit Citation, three Navy Unit Commendations, three Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (with one star), Iraq Campaign Medal (with one star), Global War on Terrorism Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Bambi Johnson

Originally from the small town of Washington, Pennsylvania, just south of Pittsburgh. In her sophomore year of high school, she made the decision to continue the family tradition of military service and entered the Army upon graduation. She served as a power generator mechanic and lineman while stationed at both Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and Fort Hood, Texas, in 13th COSCOM while attached to the 62nd Engineers Battalion.

Upon her sister’s death in 1989, she adopted her nieces who also served in our military, one in combat in Afghanistan, and the other still currently serving as a U.S. Air Force flying nurse.

Johnson is married to retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Jim Johnson, commander of Superstition Mountain VFW Post No. 9399 in Apache Junction. She is an elected member of the Apache Junction City Council and is dedicated to the betterment of the city through responsible growth based on the needs of the community. She is the city representative for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the organizer for the Sept. 11 city memorials every five years.

After completing her year as president of Arizona Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in June 2024, she continues to serve the organization and our veterans at every opportunity. From the first oath she took and said, “I do” for her country, she continues to say “I will” whenever there is an opportunity to bring awareness and respect to the military families of the United States of America and to uplift her community through sound representation of Apache Junctions citizens.

Janet Snyder

Snyder started working for the Department of the Army in 1965 when she was 19.

“I went into the U.S. Army Reserves in 1980 and was discharged in 1983. At the time of my retirement in 1997, my division was responsible for making sure our soldiers had current and precise technical manuals to support their weapons systems. After retirement, my husband and I traveled in our motorhome for 12 years before settling down in Apache Junction. Since then, I have been extremely active in our local Veterans of Foreign Wars post as president for six years, then senior vice president until the present,” she said.

“I continue to be community outreach chairman, I continue to be active in our legislative, youth activities, hospital, americanism, buddy poppy/national home, as well as veterans and family support programs. I also have been a member of the Veterans Day Parade Committee for the last nine years and continue to be extremely active in the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery and Crematorium. I am a member of the Apache Junction Area Chamber of Commerce volunteering for the Lost Dutchman Parade Committee, the annual Golf Tournament Committee, the Events Planning Committee, the Scholarship Committee and have organized and put on the annual Apache Junction Veterans Tribute since 2015 through 2025.”

Orland I. Adams

Adams was born Aug. 15, 1942, in Columbus, Montana. Eldest of three children, he was raised on a wheat and cattle ranch. He was active in 4H, church youth groups, high school sports, band, choir and class plays. He attended Montana Boy’s State (American Legion-sponsored) in August 1959. Graduated from Columbus (Montana) High School in May 1960. Enlisted in the U.S. Navy in aviation in June 1960.

Following boot camp in San Diego, aviation electronics technical training in Memphis, assigned to multiple carrier-based light attack squadrons embarked aboard six aircraft carriers deploying to the Western Pacific/Indian Ocean (five times) and the Mediterranean Sea (one time). Supported the Vietnam War assigned to a light attack squadron embarked aboard the U.S.S. Constellation (CVA-64) on Yankee Station. Helo’d from the aircraft carrier in to Da Nang Air Base (two times) as part of a maintenance crew whose mission was to repair a battle-damaged aircraft to the degree that it could fly from Da Nang out to the carrier (65-85) miles. Received appointment to warrant officer (W-1) Aug. 1, 1969. Progressed through the warrant officer/commissioned warrant officer ranks from 1969 to 1976.

Fulfilled roles of branch officer and division officer and any detachment maintenance officer requirements. Selected by a selection board to be promoted to a limited duty officer in 1976. Promoted to the grade of lieutenant (junior grade) limited duty officer in June 1976. Progressed through the lieutenant (JG), lieutenant and lieutenant commander grades from 1976 to 1983.