San Angelo Salutes, Honors and Appreciates Our Military

This morning, several hundred people turned out to the San Angelo River Stage in celebration of San Angelo's annual "Our Community Salutes: Goodfellow Appreciation Day 2016."

Anetta Gray, spokesperson for the Chamber of Commerce, said, "We used to have the event out at the Goodfellow Recreation Camp, but an added bonus in having it here is the attendees will have access to our Fine Arts and Railway Museums, the Concho River, and the Love Pool facilities. It's just our way of showing our appreciation to our active military members and their families."

 
At the gated entrance, several members of the Air Force Division 17th Training Group and 6th Platoon Marine Corp Detachment stood ready to direct and assist incoming attendees. Staff Sergeant Justin Fleishman, of Simi Valley California, said, "Our group is in charge of registration for today's OCS High School Graduates, now ready to go into the Armed Forces."

At the base of the River Stage, numerous young men and women sat mingling amongst one another, wearing various t-shirts signifying what branch of the military they were to be inducted into. Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy were represented. Their corresponding commanders stood in full regalia alongside their individual groups and an ambiance of pride was felt throughout the setting.

Technical Sergeant Curtrell Gibson, a NCO (Non Commissioned Officer), said part of her duties include leading, mentoring, and supervising Airmen. Gibson joined the service in December of 1999, but has been teaching Airmen Leadership School (ALS), where she "teaches Airmen how to be supervisors," for about two years now. In regards to new generations of students enlisting, she said, "With the military, the lifestyle, the culture it offers, and our main purpose, I think that each generation sees that and gleans to it; we're as strong and powerful as ever. We are grateful for the community's support, as today's event is primarily to invite the community to salute our Airmen who are transitioning into the military. This is our way of saying congratulations, [and] welcome into this family."

Narrator Technical Sergeant Egly, of the USAF, welcomed attendees and thanked the 25 volunteers who assisted and set up the event. The Sergeant also acknowledged and thanked sponsors and several high ranking officers. The Central High School Junior ROTC representatives started off the ceremony with the posting of the colors, and the National Anthem was sung, followed by prayer. Additionally, the Chaplain thanked the enlistees and their families for their commitment to further the cause of freedom and justice.

 

Guest Speaker Colonel Michael Downs, Commander of the 17th Training Wing at GAFB, said, "Now, more than ever, our country is in need. You are joining the ranks of 1 percent of Americans who will serve their fellow countrymen in all of these uniforms you see before you. It's a difficult time for our nation with the threats we're facing around the world. We need you and are extremely grateful for all of you for raising your hand, [and] committing to serve in the United States Military." Although all four services were being sworn in today, Downs reiterated theirs is a "team effort to serve this country." 

Air Force presenters took the stage first while the "Air Force Band of the West" musicians played their fight song. Individual graduates were called up, received their certificates, and posed for a photo. Army, Marines, and Navy followed suit. A total of 23 area enlistees also received special "OCS challenge coins," with the organization insignias to commemorate this day. Afterwards, graduates posed for various photos and then were allowed to partake in the day's festivities. 

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Today's graduates represented San Angelo Lake View and Central High Schools, Ballinger, Grape Creek, Menard, Paint Rock, Sonora, Wall, and Winters, Texas. The largest group of 14 were Army inductees.

Towards the top of the hill, numerous tents and booths offered a variety of activities and foods including the bubble corral, balloon decorating, and bounce houses, an inflatable slide, cotton candy, popcorn and more. A large tent was designated for the buffet-style luncheon, prepared for as many as 3,000 patrons, and cases of water and sodas sat ready on a large trailer for the guests as well.

All in all, the message was clear, San Angelo and the surrounding areas are truly proud of and grateful for our newest enlistees, active, and veteran military members. For without their devotion and service, we could not enjoy our freedom and liberties so valued today.