2024 Houston Rodeo - Armed Force Appreciation Day

Free trip for Fort Johnson Soldiers, Families, Retirees, National Guard & Reserves!

Tickets include: travel, rodeo admission, carnival admission, food (provided at The Hideout), Concert,  more!

Tickets are provided to Fort Johnson MWR to give Soldiers and their families opportunity to attend the Houston Rodeo.

Tickets are provided to Soldiers and Families that are CURRENTLY stationed at JRTC and Fort Johnson. Sponsor's unit information must be provided in the registration to validate attendance.

Transportation will be provided and must be used to receive tickets. Buses wills stage in the old Commissary parking area at 0800. Please arrive to check in at 0800 at the old commissary parking area, bus will depart between 0900 and 0915. Buses will return between 2 and 3 AM.

Families can attend without their sponsor. Uniform is OCPs for Soldiers attending. All who attend MUST utilize transportation provided. Must present DoD ID card prior to departure.

Bus Leaders Contact Information

Megan Angell 337-353-3809

Corey Reynolds 337-378-2201

Cody Greathouse 337-353-3417

Tiffany Trammel 337-353-3689

Frequently Asked Questions.

1.    Where do we meet the bus?

a.       Former Commissary Parking Area. 7906 Colorado Ave, Fort Johnson 71459

b.       Yes, this is different than the original information pushed out. Due to the current construction at the Home of Heroes parking lot, we changed the staging area to accommodate the amount of parking we would need for attendees. 

2.     What time do we check in at the departure site?

a.       All attendees need to be in the parking area to check in by 0800, 28 Feb.

3.     Can I drive separately?

a.       The Armed Forces Commission provides tickets to the Soldiers and Families that use the provided transportation. The tickets are given to the patrons who depart on the charter buses from Fort Johnson. Tickets to the rodeo will be distributed upon arriving at the Rodeo.

4.     Can we bring car seats for young children on the bus?

a.       The buses can accommodate standard child car seats. You may use these with your car seat if it can be attached by using a seat belt.

b.       Though car seats are permitted, they are not required.

c.       Car seats can be left on the bus during the duration of the event.

5.     What do we do if we bring a bag of stuff with us for our kids? Snack, tablet, etc.…

a.       You will be able to leave items on the bus that you will NOT need however, we do not recommend leaving any valuables. Backpack/ bags are acceptable but are subject to search at the gate. Remember, you will be carrying the bags.

6.     Do we have access to the bus while at the rodeo?

a.       You do not have access to the bus from the time we arrive at the Rodeo until the time we go to depart. 

7.     What does the schedule for the day include? What is included on the trip and what is our responsibility to pay for?

a.       We will arrive at NRG Stadium at about 1 pm. Lunch will be provided at the “Hideout.” The Hideout is an area designated for Garrisons that are participating in the Houston Rodeo Armed Forces Appreciation Day event.  This will be for Soldiers and Families that attend with our group from Fort Johnson, Fort Cavazos, and Naval Base Corpus Christi.

b.       When you are ready to leave the Hideout, you can enjoy all the other areas of the rodeo, carnival, and concert. You will return to the pickup location at 10 PM or promptly after the concert. 

c.       (included) Charter bus transportation, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, horse show, petting zoo, BBQ lunch, and entertainment at the Hideout & concert.

d.       (not included) additional meals and beverages outside of the “Hideout,” additional entertainment or games, and mementos to take home.

8.     It says carnival admission, so will the kids be able to go on all the rides for free?

a.       Carnival passes will be given out, we estimate 5-10 tickets given to each person for carnival rides. However, this does not include an unlimited ride wristband.

9.     What food is offered at the Hideout? How many meals are provided?

a.       Traditional Texas BBQ and sides

b.       1 full meal is provided but there is plenty of food to go around.

c.       Water and other non-alcoholic beverages are provided.

10.  Why are we returning at 3 am?

a.       The charter bus will leave NRG Stadium after the concert. The estimated time for the concert to end is 10 pm. Once the buses are loaded, they will depart. 3 am is an estimated time, we hope that we arrive at Fort Johnson earlier.

11.  Will service members receive the day off Thursday since we get back at 0300?

a.       This is not a request MWR can approve. Please refer to your chain of command.

12.  Are Service Members required to wear OCPS?

a.       For this very generous donation, all that was asked is for the community to be allowed to honor service members. This is difficult when in civilian clothes.

13.  I wanted to go but was unable to register for a ticket. How can I get a ticket?

a.       If you did not have a chance to register for the ticket, we will have a “Standby” area. This does not mean that you have a confirmed spot. If you would like to be on the standby list, please arrive at the former commissary parking lot NLT 0900. If there are slots available, you will be placed on the bus on a first-come, first-serve basis.

14.  My sponsor can no longer attend the rodeo. Do you know if someone can take his place without changing the registration information?  

a.       You cannot give your ticket to another individual. However, you can do one of two things.

1.       Return to the Eventbrite link and edit your current ticket to reflect the new name, email, phone number, and unit information for the new individual.

2.       Cancel your ticket. We recommend canceling your ticket if you will no longer be able to go.

15.  I registered for a ticket and have not received any information. Who do I contact?

a.       Please send an email to usarmy.johnson.imcom.mbx.dfmwr-activities@army.mil including the name, email, unit, and number of tickets you provided when you registered on Eventbrite.

b.       Emails have been sent out to the email addresses you used to register. Please check your email and/or spam box.

16.  How do I cancel my tickets?

a.       You will need to locate your Eventbrite confirmation email, select Modify Ticket, and then cancel.

b.       Important: Please cancel your ticket if you no longer plan to attend.