San Angelo rodeo honors military Published March 2, 2015 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 at the Foster Communications Coliseum Feb. 25, honoring service members who defend the rights and freedoms of others. Boyd Polhamus, San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo announcer, began the night talking about the freedoms that Americans enjoy thanks to the military. "The only reason we remain that way [free] is because of the men and women who wear the uniform and willingly give their lives for that liberty that we all cherish," said Polhamus. Airman 1st Class Tino J. Rodriguez, 17th Training Wing executive support staff, attended the rodeo and said he was impressed with the appreciation the military received. "I believe that the introduction regarding the military was very awe-inspiring and makes a person proud to wear any uniform that represents our country," said Rodriguez. Goodfellow Air Force Base members then joined Angelo State University ROTC Detachment 847 cadets to present the flag as Goodfellow's Patriotic Blue sang the national anthem. "After what the announcer said about us and just being out there with my nation's flag ... it was just a lot of pride being able to do that in front of our nation's people," said Marine Corps Pfc. Evan McCarthy. The San Angelo Ambassadors, rodeo drill team, came out after the bareback riding to pay tribute to the military with a drill routine carrying the armed services' flags, Texas flags and the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action flag. Col. Kimberlee P. Joos, 17th Training Wing Commander, participated in the rodeo during the tie-down roping. After officials released the calf, she returned the rope to the cowboy. The night ended with a video presentation honoring the men and women who serve.
