Celebrate America’s Military 2018: Honoring those who serve Published Nov. 2, 2018 By 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- Since 1970, the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has organized Celebrate America’s Military, or CAM, an annual tribute to the military. The two-week celebration during the month of November features events presented with community partners, making it the largest event of its kind nationwide. CAM’s Military Week gives the community an opportunity to pay tribute to local active-duty and retired service members. According to the chamber's website, the week is San Antonio's way of saying thank you to the men and women who serve to protect our nation. The following events are open to the public. Some require registration or the purchase of tickets. Friday, Nov. 2 3rd Annual BAMC Veterans Day Celebration Location: Brooke Army Medical Center Garden Entrance Lawn, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., celebration and entertainment; 1-2:30 p.m., lunch and health fair All veterans are invited and welcome to attend this free event. Entertainment by the 323rd Army Band “Fort Sam’s Own,” the Steve Griggs Band and Candace Bellamy Music. Saturday, Nov. 3 Third Annual ‘You are Not Forgotten’ Event Location: 1500 Commerce Street, San Antonio Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. What started in 2016 as an appreciation luncheon for, and panoramic photo of, our Westside Vietnam Veterans evolved into 2018’s open invitation to all veterans in San Antonio and its surrounding areas, from all wars and conflicts. At the southwest corner of Commerce and Colorado Streets, there is a mural titled “You Are Not Forgotten.” Funded by San Anto Cultural Arts in 2006, lead muralist Mike Roman created the mural to honor his father, Antonio Roman, who served in the Vietnam War, and earned two Purple Hearts. Featuring a free lunch for all veterans, a question-and-answer session with muralist Mike Roman and his father, a re-dedication ceremony for the mural, and live music throughout the day, “You Are Not Forgotten” is a significant gathering of the Westside community of San Antonio. In 2016 and 2017, more than 200 veterans were welcomed, in addition to family. This year, more than 600 people are expected to attend, including 400 veterans plus family and community members. For more information, call 210-452-7995. Texas A&M Military Authors & Books Expo Location: Vista Room, Texas A&M University-San Antonio, One University Way, San Antonio Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event will be part of the Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s ‘Celebrate America’s Military’ celebration and is a free event to the public. The expo will consist of featured authors sharing their stories on stage, keynote speakers, resources for aspiring authors, a kids’ corner, and networking opportunities for military authors. Tuesday, Nov. 6 Alamo Navy League Breakfast Location: Fort Sam Houston Golf Course Time: 8-10 a.m. Organized by the Alamo Council Navy League, celebrate the Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard service members who live and work in San Antonio and learn more about the Sea Service’s missions and growth in and around Joint Base San Antonio. Guest speaker is retired Rear Adm. Eric Young. Young’s most recent assignment was commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia Sept. 25, 2014. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navy-league-celebrate-americas-military-breakfast-tickets-49925865608. Wednesday, Nov. 7 Spirit of America Dinner Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel, 123 Losoya Street, San Antonio Time: 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner The Spirit of America dinner is the premiere event of Celebrate Americas Military and this year features a keynote address by Chef Robert Irvine of the Robert Irvine Foundation: For Our Heroes, an organization that honors the men and women defending our country, first responders and the many other heroes in our lives. The Foundation's mission is to support individuals and organizations committed to enriching the lives of our heroes and their families. The Spirit of America Dinner is attended by more than 500 military personnel from all branches of service as well as business and civic leaders from across San Antonio. The evening includes a cocktail reception, an elegant dinner and entertainment from the Air Force Band of the West. Registration is required. Thursday, Nov. 8 2018 Alamo AFA Combat Breakfast Location: JBSA-Randolph Kendrick Club Time: 8 a.m. Hosted by Maj. Gen. Andrew Toth, commander, Air Force Personnel Center, with guest speaker Col. Kato Martinez. Register at https://alamoafa.3dcartstores.com/ by Nov. 5. If assistance is need to get on the JBSA location, registration is needed no later than Oct. 26. Red, White, and You Hiring Fair and Veterans Information Village Location: Hall C of the Expo Hall, 3201 E, Houston St., San Antonio Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organized by Workforce Solutions Alamo, this is for transitioning service members, veterans and spouses. More than 100 employers and 50 organization that help veterans will be present. Friday, Nov. 9 5th Annual American GI Forum Veterans Day Golf Tournament Location: The Quarry Golf Club, 444 East Basse, San Antonio Time: 7 a.m., registration and breakfast; 8:30 a.m., shotgun start; 2-3:30 p.m., lunch and awards The American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program, Inc. serves veterans with employment assistance, housing support, job placement, emergency needs, economic opportunities and other support and family services. For the past 45 years, NVOP’s commitment to the veteran community has changed more than 450,000 lives, and the organization continues to work for returning warriors every day. Register at http://www.veteransdaygolftournament.org/register/. USO C.A.M.P. Location: JBSA-Fort Sam Houston USO Fitness Center Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to active duty military members and their families, USO C.A.M.P. is a family-friendly event with food, drink and entertainment for all ages. A barbecue lunch for 300 service members and their families is provided. There are a variety of games and entertainment planned to include a variety of indoor and outdoor life-size games, sumo suit wrestling, face-painting, a craft table, giveaways, music and fun for everyone! During C.A.M.P., Under Armour helps put on a fitness challenge for service members and anyone who’s up for a fun competition. This event is open to all active duty military and their families. Saturday, Nov. 10 San Antonio Heart & Stroke Walk 5K Location: Texas A&M San Antonio, One University Way, San Antonio Time: 7:15 a.m., runner check-in; 8 a.m., timed 5K heart race; 9 a.m., opening ceremony; Heart & Stroke Walk to follow. Break out your best 1990s fashions and come out to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Heart & Stroke Walk. The Heart & Stroke Walk is the American Heart Association's premier event for raising funds to save lives from this country's No. 1 and No. 5 killers - heart disease and stroke. At the San Antonio Heart & Stroke Walk, we will honor survivors, remember loved ones, and celebrate the AHA Mission. Register at http://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=3643&pg=entry. 5K Heart Race entry fee is $25 race entry fee, which includes an official swag bag. In honor of Veterans Day weekend, there will be a special acknowledgement of all military and first responders. U.S. Military Veterans Parade, Wreath Laying at the Tobin Center Location: 451 Jefferson Street, San Antonio Time: Noon The U.S. Military Veterans Parade Association, with its proud theme of “Veterans and Community – United,” which hails to the core of its existence and purpose. Our goal is to present a Veterans Parade that all can point to as the crowning jewel for Celebrate America’s Military Week in San Antonio. Join others in lining the downtown streets and waving your American flag, showing your pride as you honor those veterans, past and present, who so unselfishly served or serve to defend our freedom in our nation. 2018 San Antonio CityWide Marine Corps Birthday Ball Location: Grand Hyatt San Antonio, 600 E. Market St., San Antonio Time: 5:30 p.m. The City of San Antonio will celebrate the 243rd US Marine Corps Birthday at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio. The price is $100 per ticket and seating is limited. Tickets will not be available after Oct. 31, but there will be a waiting list to accommodate those who call 210-540-8474. Active duty Marines, Marine veterans, corpsman and civilian and military guests are invited to attend. Dress for this event is Dress Blue Alpha or Bravo, Evening Dress uniform or Service Alpha. Black tie/Evening gown for our civilian guests, veterans and retirees. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-san-antonio-citywide-marine-corps-birthday-ball-tickets-46831239498. Alamo Tricentennial Lecture Series: Alamo Archaeology Location: The Alamo, Alamo Hall, 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio Time: 6:30-8 p.m. San Antonio celebrate its 300th anniversary in 2018 and as part of that celebration, the Alamo presents the Alamo Tricentennial Lecture Series. Each month, the Alamo will bring you experts who will explore the events, people, and themes that shaped the history of the Alamo, San Antonio, and Texas. More than 20 archaeological investigations have occurred at The Alamo over the last 50 years. City of San Antonio Archaeologist Kay Hindes will discuss some of the previous archaeological investigations as well as cover the results of the 2016 archaeological investigations. Call 210-225-1391 for more information. Register at http://www.thealamo.org/visit/events/calendar/events/2018/lecturekay.html. San Antonio Spurs Veterans Appreciation Night with Spurs vs. Houston Rockets Location: AT&T Center, One AT&T Center Pkwy, San Antonio Time: 7:30 p.m. The San Antonio Spurs host a Salute to Veterans for the game against the Houston Rockets with tip-off at 7:30 p.m. The Spurs Veterans Night celebration game will honor local veterans and their families. Tickets purchased through this link (https://groupmatics.events/event/Spursveterans) will include a special Salute to Veterans t-shirt available for pick-up at the game. Details on t-shirt pick-up will be emailed to purchasers the week of the game. This offer is open to everyone who wants to celebrate and support local military families. Sunday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day 5th Annual Veterans Day Golf Classic Location: The Republic Golf Club, 4226 S.E. Military Dr., San Antonio Check-in time: 7 and 10 a.m., 1 p.m.; shotgun start: 8 and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The mission of the Veterans Day Golf Classic is to bring awareness to our U.S. military veterans and to the needs of the charities that are working hard to provide services to these American heroes. Join us for restaurants and chefs on the course serving food, games and contests and music and entertainment for the whole family. Register at http://veteransdaygolfclassic.org/register.html. Veterans Day at the Alamo Location: The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio Time: To be determined The public is invited to celebrate veterans and commemorate San Antonio’s long military history at the Alamo. All visitors are encouraged to stop by Cavalry Courtyard on the Alamo grounds to commemorate and thank those who have selflessly served. Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Commemorative Ceremony Location: San Antonio National Cemetery, 517 Paso Hondo St. Time: To be determined Comprised of former slaves, freedmen and Black Civil War veterans, the historic Buffalo Soldiers persevered through the most difficult conditions imaginable to become some of the most elite and most decorated units in the U.S. Army. The annual Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Commemorative Ceremony at the San Antonio National Cemetery honors these past heroes with a keynote speaker, the reading of a memorial list, military honors and taps and a benediction. San Antonio Rampage Veterans Family Day with Rampage vs. Texas Stars Location: AT&T Center, One AT&T Center Pkwy., San Antonio Time: 3 p.m. The San Antonio Rampage host a Veterans Family Day against the Texas Stars with puck-drop at 3 p.m. The Veterans Family Day is an opportunity enjoy a hockey game during the holiday weekend. Discounted tickets are available to veterans, active-duty, friends, and family at https://groupmatics.events/event/Veteransfamily. For more information about CAM week events, visit http://www.sachamber.org.