City of Palm Bay Selects Family of SSgt. Tristen K. Wright as Veterans Day Parade Grand Marshals

Tristen was educated in the Brevard County Public School System

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – The City of Palm Bay will hold its annual Veterans Day Parade along Port Malabar Blvd NE on Saturday, November 9 at 10 a.m.

City officials have chosen the Gold Star Family of SSgt. Tristen K. Wright, his parents Ricky and Novolia Wright, and his sister Demyia Biggs as the parade’s Grand Marshals.

Staff Sergeant Wright was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, on March 25, 1996. The beloved son of Novolia Wright and Ret. SSgt. Ricky Wright. He left a lasting legacy before his final flight and transition to glory on August 15, 2024, while serving his country abroad.

Tristen was educated in the Brevard County Public School System and is a proud graduate of Heritage High School, Class of 2015, where he obtained a certificate from the Sports Medicine Academy.

It is also noted that Tristen was the first African American Homecoming King of Heritage High. He matriculated to Embry Riddle University, where he obtained an Associate in Arts, and is currently pursuing his Bachelor in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Throughout childhood and adulthood, Tristen participated in various sports and hobbies, including running track, cross-country, and Tae-Kwon-Doe. He had an impressive sneaker, watch, and vinyl album collection. He mastered a different level of charm by combining his captivating smile and sense of style.

Upon enlistment in the United States Air Force, Tristen exhibited his best attributes: fairness, decisiveness, fun-loving, and God-fearing.

He had received several decorations and commendations while in the Air Force, including a U.S. Air and Space Force Commendation Medal, a U.S. Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters and “C” devices, an Air Force Good Conduct Medal with one oak leaf cluster, a Global War on Terrorism Medal and a National Defense Service Medal.

He also served as a Chaplain and provided spiritual enrichment and support to his fellow service members.

Despite his premature departure, Staff Sergeant Tristen Karun Wright’s memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. He profoundly touched the lives of his family, friends, and fellow service members, leaving an indelible mark that time cannot erase.

Though he may no longer be with us, his legacy of passion, dedication, and love endures as a reminder of one individual’s impact on the world around them. Palm Bay would like to salute the life of Tristen Karun Wright.

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