Fanwood’s Oshanda Erb Named Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshall

SCOTCH PLAINS/FANWOOD, NJ — Fanwood resident and air force veteran Oshanda Erb has been unanimously selected to be the grand marshal for the 2023 Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade. She is now the first female of color and member of the LGBTQ community to be selected.

“I didn’t know who they were going to pick as a grand marshal,” Oshanda told TAPintoSPF. “It was very much a surprise.”

Oshanda has spent over 20 years serving in the military, four and a half years on active duty and another 16 years as a reservist. She first enlisted when she was 17 years old, turning down a partial scholarship to play college volleyball in upstate New York.

“I just didn’t think I was going to do well,” said Oshanda. “So I spoke to my parents. I told them ‘let me try out the military.’ I was 17. So my parents had to sign a waiver and that’s really how it all started.”

Oshanda currently works as a Program Manager for KC-46 aircraft at McGuire Air Force Base, collecting software data to track maintenance, history, and sustainment. KC-46 aircraft are used to refill other aircraft in the air. She also serves as a First Sergeant in the 732 Airlift Squadron, overseeing her squadron and making sure all operations run smoothly.

Throughout her extensive military career, Oshanda says she never found it a challenge being a woman in the armed forces.

“One of my mottos is meet people where they’re at, don’t bring people into my world, meet them where they are,” Oshanda said. “I think when you’re able to build that trust when you’re able to build that line of communication, people kind of get it. I understand there are females that have challenges. I just never fell into that rack of, well, I’m a female, so I’m being treated differently.”

Oshanda, who is a member of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Memorial Day Parade Committee, dedicates much of her time to helping other veterans. She is an organizer of the annual Ruck Walk to commemorate the commitment and sacrifices of military members. And also put together a Ruck Walk to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11 in September 2021.

“Rucking is a military tradition and the foundation of Special Forces training.  It is the practice of walking with a weighted rucksack (aka backpack) and implies action, energy, and purpose. Rucking requires strength, endurance, and character — and builds it, too,” she said.

“There are a few military organizations that organize a Ruck Walk. It embodies what the older military members went through. When you didn’t have air cover, the ruck was important,” she added. “Some of the soldiers walked miles carrying rucks with 40-50 pounds on their back. I wanted to let people know about their sacrifices and remind them why we are able to have our freedoms today.”

Additionally, last October, she put together a Warrior Week program.

“Being in the military myself, I’m surrounded by greatness. Both in the military and in support networks,” Oshanda said. “Many of my relatives have served and continue to serve. I’ve met some remarkable veterans in our town and have had the pleasure of working and speaking with them. Warrior Week connects us. It’s my giveback to all the support I have received from my family and friends and the local community.”

For her next initiative, Oshanda is putting together a We Value Our Vets support group for local veterans. The objectives will include soliciting local Union County volunteers to partake in yearly events:  quarterly meetings, volunteering and networking opportunities, “think tanks,” monthly coffee talks and developing a vast network of resources supporting Fanwood military and veteran citizens.

“What I like about the military is I think it finally allows me to have a platform where I can take care of people and not focus so much on the operation,” said Oshanda. “Throughout my entire military career, always taking care of my people, making sure that everybody is okay and that they’re in a good mind space and stable, I think that’s what I love.”

Oshanda Erb currently lives in Fanwood with her wife of four years, Irasel Bueno, and their three boys: 10-year-old twins, Evan and Ethan, and a toddler, Lincoln.