Events at Kangaroo Stadium include helicopter landings on the north parking lot of the WHS Ninth Grade Center, demonstration jumpers skydiving into the stadium, and recognition of the 2015 warriors and honored guests.
“This is an outstanding opportunity for our students to honor those who continue to defend our country,” Weatherford ISD Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Hanks said. “The list of honorary attendees includes some phenomenal individuals.”
First Student, Inc. is providing shuttle buses for Hall and Tison middle school students to attend the event, and students at the WHS Ninth Grade Center will walk to the stadium. Also, the public is invited to attend this event (parking is available in the east lot by Raymond Curtis Field).
Scheduled Warriors and Honored Guests include Col. Bruce Crandall (retired), Medal of Honor Recipient; MSG Leroy Petry (retired), Medal of Honor Recipient; U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson, Vietnam POW; Captain J. Charles “Charlie” Plumb (retired), Vietnam POW; Lt. Calvin Spann (retired), Tuskegee Airman; SSG Dale “Red” Robinson (retired), WWII Pearl Harbor and Normandy; Chief Petty Officer Archie Moore (retired), Korean and Vietnam Veteran USS Montrose; Brigadier General Steve Ritchie (retired), Vietnam Pilot; Col. Fred Gregory (retired), NASA Astronaut; LTC Dick Rutan (retired) Commander of the Voyager; 1Lt. Clebe McClary (retired), Vietnam Veteran and well-known Evangelist; Col. Jim Ryan (retired), Vietnam Pilot; SSG Shiloh Harris (retired), Author of Steel Will and wounded warrior; SSG Joel Tavera (retired), the second most wounded Iraq War Veteran; Marc Fucarile, Boston Bombing Survivor; Phil King, Texas State Representative; Scott Turner, Texas State Representative; Larry Mahan Pro Rodeo Legend; Pat Waters, Country Music Singer; and Cassidy Diana, 15-year old Singer/Songwriter.
Event Schedule
8:30 a.m. – East Russell and Sloan Streets Blocked Off
8:45 a.m. – Special Guests Arrive
9:15 a.m. – Program Begins / Helicopters Land in NGC Parking Lot
9:25 a.m. – Parachute Jumpers Begin Landing in Stadium
9:45 a.m. – National Anthem
10:30 a.m. – Program Ends
Weather Notice
The entire event may be cancelled due to inclement weather. A final decision for the event’s cancellation will be made at 7:45 a.m. on Friday morning.
HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundation was founded by Sgt. First Class Dana Bowman (retired) who lives in Weatherford. The Foundation provides support for wounded warriors as they face the many challenges they encounter during the rehabilitation, reintegration, and healing process. For more information, please visit http://www.haloforfreedom.org.