San Angelo Rodeo Honors Military for America 250

Annual tradition celebrates active-duty personnel and veterans connected to Goodfellow Air Force Base.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:12am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a rodeo scene, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant red, blue, and yellow colors, capturing the energy and movement of the event.The San Angelo Rodeo's annual Military Appreciation Night celebrates the community's deep connection to Goodfellow Air Force Base and the sacrifices of those who serve.San Angelo Today

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, the San Angelo Rodeo is highlighting the milestone by honoring military service members during its annual Military Appreciation Night. The event, which has been a longstanding tradition, is meant to recognize both active-duty personnel and veterans, many of whom are connected to Goodfellow Air Force Base in the local community.

Why it matters

The San Angelo Rodeo has deep ties to the military, with a large portion of the crowd consisting of service members stationed at Goodfellow Air Force Base. The appreciation night was created in part to honor those stationed at the base, and the recognition extends to veterans as well, highlighting the community's longstanding support for those who defend freedom.

The details

Event organizers said the annual tradition is meant to recognize both active-duty personnel and veterans, many of whom are connected to Goodfellow Air Force Base. Rodeo stock contractor Pete Carr noted that the event itself would not be possible without the military, as their service allows the rodeo to take place. For many attendees, the night carries personal significance beyond entertainment, with organizers noting that a large portion of the crowd includes service members stationed at Goodfellow.

  • The San Angelo Rodeo's Military Appreciation Night takes place annually.
  • This year's event is happening as the United States approaches its 250th birthday.

The players

Justin Jonas

Executive director of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association.

Pete Carr

Rodeo stock contractor.

Jose Ruiz

An Army veteran who attended the event.

Goodfellow Air Force Base

A military installation in San Angelo, Texas, with strong ties to the local community and the San Angelo Rodeo.

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What they’re saying

“It's a rodeo, of course, that we have, but we always make this one a military appreciation just to show that our thanks to all of our volunteers that are serving our country.”

— Justin Jonas, Executive director of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association

“We realize that without them and what they do and their service to our country wouldn't we wouldn't be able to do what we're doing right now. We wouldn't be able to have a rodeo.”

— Pete Carr, Rodeo stock contractor

“It feels great. Very honored, basically being able to serve my country, local community here. So yeah, it feels awesome.”

— Jose Ruiz, Army veteran

What’s next

The San Angelo Rodeo's Military Appreciation Night is an annual event, so the next iteration will take place in 2027 as the United States celebrates its 251st birthday.

The takeaway

The San Angelo Rodeo's longstanding tradition of honoring military service members during its annual event underscores the deep community ties between the local area and Goodfellow Air Force Base. This celebration of those who defend freedom is especially meaningful as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, reinforcing the rodeo's role in bringing the community together to recognize and appreciate the sacrifices of those who serve.