BELTON, Texas — Soldiers and their family members were treated to a night of food, good times and tradition during Military Appreciation Night at the 37th annual Bell County Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, or PRCA, Rodeo Feb. 7 at the Cadence Bank Center.
Soldiers and family members were treated to a barbecue dinner prior to the main event in honor of their service and sacrifice.
“To all of you that are here that are serving in our military today, and your family, it’s you that we’re really proud of and (we) want to say, ‘Thank you’ and ‘Welcome,’ and show our appreciation too for what you do each and every day,” said Jay Taggart, Fort Cavazos Good Neighbor and host of Military Appreciation Night for the Belton PRCA Rodeo on behalf of the rodeo committee, as he addressed the dinner attendees.
He continued, explaining Military Appreciation Night is a “big deal” to himself and those on the rodeo committee, and it’s important for them to do it right.
“To those of you that have been to a rodeo before, or for those of you that this is your first rodeo — this is a great time of year to have a rodeo in Belton, Texas,” Taggart said, noting the abnormally warm weather. “We’re going to have the best rodeo cowboys and cowgirls in the world here this weekend. So it’s a great time to be here, and I hope you’ll enjoy it.”
The night’s events included barrel racing; mutton bustin’; bull riding; entertainment from Kyle Lamon, known as Hashtag the Rodeo Clown; and commentary from T.C. Long, known as the “Voice of Rodeo.”
Following Taggart, Col. Sean P. Kelly, commander of 13th Armored Corps Sustainment Command, spoke to those in attendance.
“It’s an honor to be here with you all tonight for military appreciation night,” he said at the dinner. “On behalf of Lt. Gen. (Kevin D.) Admiral, (III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos commander), and Command Sergeant Major (John P.) McDwyer (III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos command sergeant major), to all our distinguished guests, family, friends, military members, veterans, thank you for being here tonight. I think it’s going to be a great event here.
“I want to take a second to thank our great Belton and Bell County partners,” Kelly continued. “Thank you for being such great teammates to Fort Cavazos. Thank you for all you do for the men and women that serve on Fort Cavazos and all our veterans.”
Kelly expressed his excitement for the night’s events and the importance of community.
“Events like tonight are a great opportunity for not only military members here, but also for the community,” he said. “It shows just how strong our community is. These events aren’t just about the entertainment that we’re going to see here tonight … but it’s also, as Jay (Taggart) says, an opportunity to thank the men and women that are serving and their family members, as well for their service and sacrifice.
“Tonight when we see our Soldiers and their families standing side by side with our neighbors, that’s something special,” Kelly continued. “That’s what makes this community so great. That’s what makes serving here in Central Texas such a great opportunity. I’ve been in the Army for 25 years. I’ve served at a lot of installations, and I’ve certainly been a part of a lot of communities and I will say, by far, this is the best community I have served in.”
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