April 28, 2010 - SAN ANTONIO (NNS) -- San Antonio Navy Week came to a close with the All Veterans Memorial Service April 25, an annual ceremony sponsored by Alamo Chapter 366, Vietnam Veterans of America, saluting the military with speeches, patriotic music and a wreath laying.
Built around Fiesta San Antonio, Navy Week comprised 12 days of events that included performances by the U.S. Naval Academy Band Electric Brigade, parades, appearances by Sailors from USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and speaking engagements by flag officers.
Navy Weeks give the public a chance to get to personally know their Sailors explained Rear Adm. Albert Garcia III, Civil Engineer Corps deputy commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, deputy chief of Civil Engineers.
"One of the things that make our country strong and unique is that the military has never been a class unto itself," said Garcia. "We are a military that comes from every day America. That's not true in other countries. It's a strategic imperative for us to invest time, energy and effort into community outreach. Navy Weeks connect the people with their Navy."
Television, radio and newspaper interviews with Garica and Rear Adm. Robin Graf, deputy commander, Navy Recruiting Command, were instrumental in achieving the Navy's mission to educate San Antonio about Sailors in their community.
Navy presence is growing in San Antonio as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Act. Sailors are currently and will continue to have major impact on the city as enlisted training commences through the Medical Education and Training Campus at Fort Sam Houston.
Run by the Navy, the facility will consolidate enlisted medical training for Sailors, Soldiers, and Airmen and will be the largest military medical education and training institution when fully operational next year.
During San Antonio Navy Week Sailors played games with kids at the Boys and Girls Club of San Antonio, read stories to youth at the Carl Wanke Elementary School, visited with children and handed out ball caps through the Caps for Kids program at local hospitals, and toured the USAA facility.
During Navy Day at the Alamo the public witnessed a reenlistment ceremony and watched as Sailors from the Naval Technical Training Center demonstrated riot control procedures, prisoner take down and military working dogs at work.
Members of Electric Brigade entertained audiences but also interacted with students letting them know that the Navy is more than just a career.
"The job I do gives me a sense of purpose. I feel like I am making a difference rather than just entertaining," said Musician 1st Class Mike Bogart.
Bogart explained that he took a break from a stint as a musician in the Navy and returned to civilian life where he played with high-profile musicians like Carlos Santana, Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, and was successful with the soul and funk based Tower of Power.
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