Pops Concert starts the Independence Day celebration early Published July 9, 2014 By Senior Airman Joshua Edwards 17th Training Wing Public Affairs SAN ANGELO, Texas -- San Angelo hosted the 27th Annual Pops Concert to celebrate the nation's birthday and kick-off the Independence Day weekend at the Bill Aylor Sr. Memorial RiverStage here July 3. The concert featured fireworks, patriotic songs and Goodfellow volunteer demonstrations to include a state flag review, U.S. flag presentation from the South Chadbourne Street Bridge and water canon firing. "We are so grateful to be a part of such a supportive community here that really takes care of the military," said Col. Terry J. "TJ" Hamrick Jr., 17th Training Wing Vice Commander. "As we celebrate our nation's birthday over the weekend, I ask each and every one of you to remember the deployed troops that are out there ... who can't celebrate it with their families." While there are currently 40 deployed members from Goodfellow, more than 100 non-deployed service members chose to celebrate the Fourth of July by volunteering at the concert. "When you get involved in the community it presents a positive image for your service and the military as a whole," said Airman 1st Class Dominic A. Davila, 316th Training Squadron student. Halfway through the concert, local leaders provided a few words about Independence Day. "Tomorrow we celebrate the 238th birthday of our republic," said Rep. Mike Conaway, 11th District of Texas. "May God continue to bless the United States of America."
