Rodeo welcomes Veterans as Special Guests
Last month, Houston VA Veterans were honored at the 74th annual Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo which started with a police escort from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.
Each year, Veterans are invited to the rodeo to honor their military service. After a 'finger lickin’ good BBQ dinner, the Veterans rode into the arena in vehicles. The applause was extraordinary as the audience showed their appreciation.
“It was my time to shine!” laughed Marine Corps Veteran Robert Billareal, who rode in a vehicle.
The Veterans then gathered in the VIP section to watch the rodeo which included bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding and more. Veterans also enjoyed walking around to see the cattle, goats and all sorts of other animals.
Jorge Gonzalez, a Marine Corps Veteran, loved the heartwarming appreciation and rodeo animals. “I love watching the horses!”
Solomon Green, a Houston VA recreation therapist, said it is important for Veterans with serious mental illnesses to participate in these type of events for community re-integration.
"Events like these help improve Veterans’ physical, cognitive and social functioning abilities,” said Green. “It is also a great opportunity to have camaraderie with their fellow Veterans, VA and the community.”
Thank you also to the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo Veterans Committee for sponsoring this event.