Spc. Rayson Coppedge (front), a logistical specialist, dines with co-workers, all from the 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, in the Rockin' Rodeo Party Pavillion,
at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Feb. 29, 2012. Photo by
Army Sgt. Quentin Johnson |
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HOUSTON, TX (3/4/2012) – More than 5,500 members of the
Armed Forces were in attendance for the Houston Livestock
Show and Rodeo Armed Forces Appreciation Day at Reliant
Park, Feb. 29, 2012.
Among the service members were
approximately 200 soldiers and family members from the 2nd
Brigade Combat Team, “Black Jack,” 1st Cavalry Division, who
enjoyed the day participating in numerous exhibits, a
carnival, horse show, the rodeo and a Kid Rock concert.
The appreciation day is an annual event at the rodeo,
with this year being the fifth, that allows service members
in uniform and their families free admission to the park,
explained Robin Young-Ellis, chairman of the Armed Forces
Association Committee.
Young-Ellis said she started
the committee to recognize military members and their
families for all they do.
“It is about honoring the
service members and their family members for their hard work and |
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sacrifice,” said Young-Ellis, whose husband is a Marine. |
“This is a day to give thanks, give the service members
a break from their daily routine and give back to the
military,” added Paul Lehnhoff, vice president of the HLSR.
“It is also an opportunity for the people of Houston to
express their gratitude.”
In addition to free
admission, all participants were provided with a
complimentary barbecue meal and assorted beverages, stated
Lehnhoff. Each military member was given a booklet
containing discount and free game coupons to be used
throughout the park.
All amenities for the
participants were made possible through private donations
raised throughout the year, and support from local food
vendors, he added.
“AFAC and HLRS have raised $250,00
this year to support this day and each year it continues to
grow,” stated Lehnhoff.
“Monetary support such as
this came easy because the committee members and donors love
and appreciate everything you (service members) do for our
country,” said Young-Ellis.
Appreciation also came
from the participants themselves, as soldiers and their
families were surprised with the sheer magnitude of the
event.
“I was expecting just a rodeo, but I am very
impressed by all that is offered here and the amount of
troops in attendance,” explained Spc. Rayson Coppedge, about
his first time attending a rodeo.
All the events were
equally great and the food was fantastic, added Coppedge, a
logistical specialist with Company A., 15th Brigade Support
Battalion, Black Jack. He said he was happy to have a day
off from normal duty, “I enjoyed doing something new.”
Familiar with rodeos, Pvt. 1st Class Braxton Forbes and
wife, Rebecca, both from Timberon, N.M., said they have been
to almost 24 rodeos between them but never one this grand.
“Pig races, a petting zoo, a carnival and a Kid Rock
concert, I couldn't be more appreciative of the folks from
AFAC and HLSR for making this day happen,” said Braxton, a
cavalry scout with Troop B, 4th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cav.
Regt., Black Jack.
Being family oriented was an added
benefit, he explained. It helps build cohesion between the
spouses and families within our unit.
“The support
from the command to allow our soldiers to spend time with
their families away from work is nice,” said Rebecca. “This
day shows that Fort Hood leadership realizes that we
(families and soldiers) need quality time.”
He
doesn't have a spouse or child, but Spc. Andrew Caldwell
from Hersey, Pa., said it was “awesome.” He has been to more
than 12 rodeos but none have compared to this one.
“I
was expecting a rodeo but not a kids center, carnival,
exhibits and concert,” explained Caldwell, a cavalry scout
with Troop B, 4th Sqdn., 9th U.S. Cav. Regt.
With
exceeded expectations came much appreciation and thanks from
the service members and their families.
“I am
thankful for organizations like AFAC and HLSR, they give me
a sense of peace. I know people support us and are there for
me when he is deployed,” added Rebecca.
As the sun
began to set AFAC closed up for the evening and with a smile
Young-Ellis spoke some words of gratefulness to service
members in attendance.
“I hope each and every one of
you continue to have a great time tonight. On behalf of the
committee, the HLRS and citizens of Houston, we are blessed
to be able to honor you for your dedication and sacrifice to
the country,” she said. “You have no idea how much you
service members mean to us, thank you.”
All 16 photos of troops and their
families enjoying the Houston Rodeo are in frame below.
By Army Sgt. Quentin Johnson
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st
Cavalry Division Public Affairs
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2012
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