Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Tomora Nance | Air force Staff Sgt. Patrick Neal, a radio frequency transmission system craftsman...... read more read more
HEWITT, Texas - In a packed theater, the lights suddenly dimmed and a brightly shining spotlight on the previously dark stage calmed the once noisy theater.
The master of ceremonies welcomed the audience to the Texas Angels Pageant Sept. 20 in Hewitt, Texas, at the Midway Performing Arts Theater. Approximately 70 special needs children won crowns, titles and plaques after a day of fun, for being themselves.
The pageant was not about ability; it was about bringing the special needs community together and celebrating the ‘Angels.’ Volunteers gave the Angels the “star” treatment during the pageant day with hair, makeup and dress apparel said the Texas Angels Pageant co-director Jamie Grisham.
“I’m here to support my daughter and give her a day of glitz and glamour,” said Kimberley Green, mother of a special needs child and resident of Temple, Texas.
Green’s daughter Emily, 11, attends sixth grade at Academy Middle School.
She looks forward to the event all year and the morning of the pageant she is packed and ready to go said Green.
Angels had an opportunity to connect with Airmen of the 9th Air Support Squadron while being escorted on stage to receive their titles.
“We are about 45 miles north of Fort Hood, so the military is not as prevalent in this community as in Killeen; if I walked around the Fort Hood area it’s no big deal but here it really makes a difference,” said Air force Master Sgt. Isaac Diaz, a radio frequency transmission system craftsmen with the 9th ASOS. “I think the kids are really excited when they see us all dressed up in our service uniform and hanging-out with them.”
“I think it’s great that the Airmen are here today because it seems as we focus so much on the issues abroad that we forget about the service to be done in our own communities,” said Green, a former military spouse. “These Airmen could have been doing anything else with their Saturdays, but instead chose to be right here helping us.”
For the Airmen of the 9th ASOS, the Texas Angels Pageant meant more than any other volunteer opportunity.
“This event hits home for me because I have Family Members who have special needs children, and it’s really nice when a community puts forth the effort and the time to show their support of everybody in the community,” Diaz said.
He continued, just being a part of this event is special.
“It really is a pleasure to do this event with the Texas Angels and seeing kids eyes light up when they receive their awards words can’t describe the joy I feel,” said Diaz.
Green wanted to thank the Airmen for their support and dedication for such a special project.
“Sometimes the only time our children see a service member is on TV and they are portrayed as rough and tough. But today, you get to see a softer, gentler side of the military and that will have a lasting impact on our children. I’m grateful the Air Force was able to help make this a great experience for our community, “said Green.
| Date Taken: | 09.20.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.23.2014 14:00 |
| Story ID: | 143021 |
| Location: | HEWITT, TX, US |
| Hometown: | TEMPLE, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 56 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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