Photo By Sgt. Ian Valley | Lt. Gen. Perry L. Wiggins, United States Army North (Fifth Army) commanding general...... read more read more
SAN ANTONIO - The 2015 H-E-B Alamo Run Fest was held in San Antonio, Feb. 22. This run was a historic one, it was the first time since Sept. 11, 2001, that the historic gate of Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston was opened to the public.
The annual race hasn't taken its competitors through Fort Sam Houston for security reasons for several years, but today the runners got to see behind the gates of one of the more historical military installations in the country.
Lt. Gen. Perry L. Wiggins, United States Army North (Fifth Army) commanding general, senior commander of Fort Sam Houston and Camp Bullis and native of Warner Robins, Georgia, calls Fort Sam Houston the gem of the Army. I think what's important is to share Fort Sam Houston with the citizens of San Antonio, said Wiggins.
Members of the community were excited as they ran through the historic Fort Sam Houston Gate that lead right through the oldest sections of the post including the quadrangle and other historic sites.
“I was really honored to run through the base,” said Juanita Bowling of Austin, Texas, a pacer during the H-E-B Alamo Run Fest.
Bowling said that as military city USA, Fort Sam Houston is a really big deal in San Antonio area, and it was great experience being able to see inside of it.
“We tried to thank every military person we saw today,” said Bowling. “The families would actually come out of their houses to greet us along the route.”
Wiggins who ran the entire half marathon, the longest of the routes offered in the H-E-B Alamo Run Fest, said that he was proud to show off the post and all of its history.
“Its got a lot of history, tradition and any time we can open up and showcase our military installation, that's a great day,” said Wiggins.
Wiggins ran with several of his fellow Soldiers as he tried to encourage all Soldiers to be Army Strong. Physical Fitness is a defining characteristic of a Soldier in his eyes.
“Our Army is about being Army Strong,” said Wiggins. “Physical Fitness is a great part of that. Getting Soldiers out on a Sunday, on their own time, just shows that these Soldiers are dedicated.”
Wiggins was sure to shake every hand he could as countless citizens thanked him for his years of service at the finish line of the H-E-B Alamo Run Fest. After showing San Antonio his side of the Fort Sam Houston fence, Wiggins got to see firsthand the pride citizens have for the military.
“It's great to serve a grateful nation,” said Wiggins
| Date Taken: | 02.22.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 02.22.2015 17:28 |
| Story ID: | 155109 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 180 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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