COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- At the intersection of Pikes Peak Avenue and Tejon Street is where this year's annual Western Street Breakfast took place on June 19, 2019.

An annual event, Soldiers from Fort Carson volunteer to cook and serve breakfast to the thousands of people who attend the iconic celebration of Colorado Spring's deep-rooted western heritage. Also serving as a fundraising event, the Western Street Breakfast supports the local military and its families.

The serving of the food will begin at 0530 with the Soldiers arriving as early as 1230am to begin cooking and preparing the meals. This year, enough food was made to feed up to 10,000 people, which consisted of 875 pounds of pancake batter, 1,260 pounds of liquid eggs, 48 gallons of syrup, 3,200 orange juices and1,200 milks.

"This is my first time being a part of this event and I am extremely humbled and excited to be here," said CW2 Reynaldo Cortez, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. "We have over 50 Soldiers, along with volunteers from the U.S. Air Force and the 10th Special Forces Group here today. What really excites me the most is that even though it's my first time, I can already feel the deep culture and tradition surrounding this event and it's only just getting started."

For the U.S. Air Force, this is the first time they have teamed up with the U.S. Army to help with the Colorado Street Breakfast, but the collaboration was seamless as you could find both branches at each station working together.

"The U.S. Air Force are excited to be here working with the U.S. Army for one of the biggest cultural events this city has to offer," said MSgt. Shane D. Flahaut, 21st Force Support Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base. "The camaraderie we've been building with the U.S. Army while working this event is awesome! Also, for me, it's also great to see how other branches operate and the kind of equipment they use as well. It has been a great experience and we look forward to doing more events together."

After receiving their food, the attendees sat on the hail bails and enjoyed entertainment provided by the Colorado Springs Conservatory, Exit West, the Flying W Wranglers and the Sweetwater Native American Hoop Dancers. Kids and parents had the chance to practice their wrangling skills as they attempted to rope dummy cattle with a lasso while trying to avoid being lassoed by the Trick Roper.

"Howdy, everybody!" said Col. Geoff Kent, Commander, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. "Yes, we all have a little 'cowboy' in us. On behalf of Maj. Gen. Randy A. George, Commanding General of 4th Infantry Division, I want to thank the Range Riders, Business Leaders, supporters and everyone here today for coming out and supporting the military and its families. It's because of people like you we call Colorado Springs the best hometown in the Army. Again, thanks for coming out and I hope you all enjoy the event."