FORT HOOD, Texas - With the lights dimmed, a patriotic presence filled the Bell County Exposition Center as the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment entered the arena.
As part of Military Appreciation Night, Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division were featured in the Bell County PRCA Rodeo in Belton, Texas, Feb. 12.
"It's always a great opportunity for the 1st Cav. to participate in the rodeo," said Maj. Gen. Michael Bills, commanding general, 1st Cav. Div.
Bills said attending events like the rodeo makes a big difference in terms of community relaions.
Mounted on horseback, four Troopers from the Horse Cavalry Detachment presented the national colors.
Another 1st Cav. Div. Soldier made his mark by singing the national anthem.
"I'm here to provide a nice cavalry introduction for the rodeo," said Sgt. Randy Holmes, a vocalist assigned to the 1st Cav. Div. Band. "I love the rodeo, and my mother and father are here. It's good for them to see me perform and to see the rodeo," said Holmes, a native of Temple, Texas.
As part of the event's military appreciation night, Fort Hood Soldiers were given the opportunity to attend the rodeo for free.
"Being this close to Fort Hood, it's a great opportunity for us as a community to show our appreciation to Soldiers and their Families - truly our heroes," said Jay Taggart, the Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee for the Belton Chamber of Commerce.
Taggart added, "We always appreciate having the 1st Cavalry Divison help support us. Having the mounted Color Guard and a singer perform the national anthem has been an honor and a great partnership."
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