Stock show and rodeo hosts military appreciation night Published Feb. 16, 2017 By Staff Sgt. Laura R. McFarlane 17th Training Wing Public Affairs SAN ANGELO, Texas -- The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association hosted Military Appreciation Night in honor of service members at the Foster Communications Coliseum Feb. 15.The night included presentation from Goodfellow Air Force Base members and rodeo tributes for their 85th anniversary.Boyd Polhamus, San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo announcer, started the night speaking about the sacrifices service members make for their country.“Throughout the history of this nation, no matter what we’ve faced as a country, we’ve always had brave men and women willing to step to the plate, literally spill their blood, so that we might live in the greatest, freest nation in the world,” said Polhamus.The Goodfellow Air Force Base Joint-Service Color Guard then presented the national and service flags as Goodfellow's Patriotic Blue sang the national anthem.During the night, the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Ambassadors Drill Team honored the military with a special presentation during their drill performance. The team carried the national flag, the services' flags, the Texas flag, the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag and a flag for Vietnam veterans.The rodeo also invited Col. Michael Downs, 17th Training Wing Commander, to assist with the tie-down roping by returning the rope to the cowboys after officials released the calf.Tech. Sgt. Chanelle Wilburn’s, 17th TRW executive support staff officer promotions, attended for the third year and is still impressed with the gratitude the military received.“I think the tribute to the military was awesome,” said Wilburn. “Not only did they shout us out, they invited us free of charge to show their appreciation for us. Even better, they let our wing commander be a part of the show. So much love.”Wilburn’s family also enjoyed the rodeo.“My youngest daughter loved mutton busting, and the oldest enjoyed the horse barrel racing,” said Wilburn. “I enjoyed the bull riding. My husband is convinced that he can hang on longer than they can.”Wilburn also encourage anyone who’s never been to a rodeo to check it out.“I had never been to a rodeo until moving to San Angelo,” said Wilburn. “It’s an experience that all should try at least once.”
