SAN ANGELO, Texas -- Children from 38 different local schools filled the Murphy Performance Hall to watch the free concerts by the San Angelo Symphony March 1.
The theme for the event was Flight and Fantasy, so in the spirit of flight, Col. Robert Ramirez, 17th Training Wing vice commander, was invited to speak to the children about his experiences.
“The San Angelo Symphony is celebrating their 34th year of the youth concerts by bringing together 2,600 3rd through 5th graders from San Angelo Independent School District and surrounding rural communities, including home and private schools,” said San Angelo Symphony Director Courtney Mahaffey.
The San Angelo Symphony filled the Murphy Performance Hall in celebration by providing the children free concerts, including songs from movies such as "Hook", "ET" and "Star Wars".
“The theme for the concert is Flight and Fantasy, so all of the music is based on flight and flying, so naturally they leaned toward Goodfellow and asked somebody to come out here and discuss our experience with the Air Force,” said Ramirez.
Ramirez accepted the invitation to speak to the children, not just because of his experiences of flight but also because of the prospect of helping the community and speaking to the children of San Angelo.
“The symphony has shared a long partnership with Goodfellow Air Force Base and we were thrilled to feature Col. Ramirez and have him share his insight, adventure and stories with our local youth,” said San Angelo Symphony Director Courtney Maheffey.
The relationship between Goodfellow and San Angelo creates many opportunities, like the symphony, which allow Goodfellow and San Angelo to show their appreciation and support for the other.
“It is always a great opportunity anytime that we are able to engage with the local community,” said Ramirez. “We spend a lot of time working with the civic leaders and the local community, but it is nice to get a chance to talk to the kids and get them excited about the Air Force and flying.”