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Air Force celebrates Fiesta 2011

Gen. Edward A. Rice, Jr., Air Education and Training Command commander, followed by Maj. Gen. A.J. Stewart, Air Force Personnel Center commander, along with other Air Force representatives, walk the Randolph wreath to the Alamo as part of the Pilgrimage April 11 during Fiesta 2011. Fiesta is an annual two-week celebration in San Antonio. (U.S. Air Force photo/David Terry)

Air Force celebrates Fiesta 2011

(Left to right) Col. William Mott, 37th Training Wing commander, Col. Robert Bridgford, 502nd Air Base Wing vice commander, and Col. Richard Murphy, 12th Flying Training Wing commander, socialize before the Investiture ceremony at the Alamo Plaza April 9 as part of the Fiesta celebration. Fiesta is an annual two-week celebration held in San Antonio. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Alexis Siekert)

Air Force celebrates Fiesta 2011

King Antonio Bill Mitchell shakes hands with Gen. Edward A. Rice, Jr., Air Education and Training Command commander, in the company of El Rey Feo Bill Drain, and Teresa Rice, Gen. Rice's wife, at the Opening Ceremony for Fiesta April 6. Fiesta is an annual two-week celebration held in San Antonio. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman Alexis Siekert)

Randolph military maintains high profile during local event

Published April 18, 2011
By Airman Alexis Siekert
502nd Air Base Wing OL-B public affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Randolph celebrated Fiesta all over "Military City USA".

Fiesta San Antonio is an annual celebration which began 120 years ago to honor the memory of the battle of the Alamo. Since then, it has bloomed into a nationally recognized festival highlighting Texas' rich culture and heritage.

Fiesta is an 11-day party featuring more than 100 events in San Antonio. All of the events are sponsored by nonprofit organizations making Fiesta a party with a purpose.

This year's celebrations mark the 120th anniversary of Fiesta.

Every year at Randolph AFB, Fiesta kicks off with the Air Education and Training Command's Fiesta Reception at the Parr O'Club April 6. This event is hosted annually by the AETC commander. The O'Club was decorated by the Officers' Spouses 'Club in festive colors.

Gen. Edward A. Rice, Jr., AETC commander, welcomed Fiesta royalty, the Joint Base San Antonio Ambassadors and other civic leaders onto the base for a prelude into the celebrations.

"Fiesta is important to the Air Force in San Antonio because it is important to this city," Janie Santos chief of Air Education and Training Command's civic outreach division. "In every way we are a part of this community, and we benefit as much from Fiesta as every other resident. Our families stand beside other families volunteering their time. We are at events that celebrate our city and remember the sacrifices made by Texans throughout America's history. Fiesta is very visible, colorful reminder that the military and San Antonio form a great partnership."

Following the opening ceremony, Air Force personnel from Randolph have attended Fiesta events in San Antonio all week.

"San Antonio really embraces the military community," said Kelly Parsons, Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs.

"Senior leadership is invited to many of the events and it's a treat for everyone involved."
Wednesday day night, General Rice took part in Fiesta in Blue, the Air Force Musical Extravaganza, in the Laurie Auditorium at Trinity University. The Air Force Band of the West performed as a tribute to all service members.

"The military's involvement in Fiesta and the city itself is something unique to San Antonio," Ms. Parsons said. "Military members won't always have this kind of relationship with the community off base in other locations."

For more information on Fiesta and events this weekend, visit www.fiesta-sa.org.