ARMED FORCES APPRECIATION DAY — A FAMILY TRADITION
California-native, Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Fahey, has attended the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ on Armed Forces Appreciation Day for the past three years, along with his wife and their 6-year-old daughter, Zoe. For the Fahey family, Armed Forces Appreciation Day is becoming an annual tradition.
“To come in uniform and be honored by a community-driven event that invests tens of millions of dollars into the community and the youth is a fantastic opportunity,” Fahey said in regard to informing visitors about the Navy.
This year’s trip, however, is extra special since Zoe is in the spotlight and riding in the Mutton Bustin’ competition in The Junction.
“This will be her first time seeing a sheep,” Fahey said. “We’re going to put her on the back of one and tell her to hold on for dear life.”
The opportunity for Zoe to ride has allowed the Faheys to douse themselves in Texas culture. From Western gear shopping, viewing videos and riding horses early on, their daughter is prepared for the ride of her life, and has changed her mind about her future profession from princess to cowgirl.
“It’s been exciting for my family to see her light up for something so positive and healthy like working with animals,” Fahey said. “Being a part of the Rodeo community has brought so much joy into my life and I can’t take thank the Rodeo enough for allowing us the opportunity.”
WELCOME CEREMONY SALUTES BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE U.S. MILITARY
The annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day, presented by BHP Billiton, at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™, was held Wednesday, March 8. All service men and women, and their families received free admission to NRG Park in thanks for their selfless service.
Two thousand plus active duty service members along with 600 veterans were personally welcomed to the grounds with a moving performance from Marine Corps Band New Orleans. The 50-member band, consisting of active-duty service members, played the patriotic hymns “Semper Fidelis” and “God Bless America.”
Retired Show Chief Operations Officer and Vietnam veteran, Leroy Shafer, began the ceremony by speaking of the Show’s beloved annual tradition which celebrates the brave men and women of the U.S. Military.
“There is no tradition that we hold more dear than this day,” Shafer said, “when we celebrate the sacrifices, the services, the protection that we receive from the armed forces — the men and women in uniform. We could not be more proud to have you here today.”
Bill Balleza, KPRC anchor and Vietnam veteran, Steve Pastor, president of petroleum operations at BHP, and Rear Adm. Douglas “Woody” Beal, were among the guest speakers for the evening.
To conclude the ceremony, Beal swore in 800 new recruits for various branches of the military and gave advice to the young service men and women of the armed forces.
“You notice that everybody takes their hat off for the National Anthem and nobody takes a knee,” Beal said. “What I see out here amongst all of you are patriots and people who love this great nation.”