Laughlin teen to play in Macy's Day Parade Published Nov. 25, 2014 By 2nd Lt. Jhanelle Haag 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas- -- A Laughlin teenager will perform in the 88th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on Nov. 27, 2014, in New York City, N.Y. Braylen Blassingame, Del Rio High School student and Mighty Ram Band section leader, will play the snare drum in the nationally televised parade Thanksgiving morning. "I was excited as I was opening up the envelope," said Blassingame. The application and selection process took place in June. Blassingame submitted a video and found out in the middle of July that he was selected to play in the Macy's Great American Marching Band. "I think I was happier than he was when he first opened the letter that said he would be playing," said his mother, Bridget Blassingame, 47th FSS Sports Program Director. Blassingame, along with the other students selected to play in the parade also, competed on Monday Nov. 24, to play on a segment of the Tuesday morning "Today" show. Blassingame was selected for that honor as well. "He started to play music at a young age; he was probably 2-years-old when he first started playing," said his father Anthony Blassingame, retired USAF Master Sgt. Hard work and dedication have paid off for Blassingame. The high school senior hopes to continue to play in college.