Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Amarillo celebrated 100 years of Navy Reserve service with a Centennial celebration in Palo Duro Canyon, Sept. 12.

More than 1,000 people from all over the world attended the public event that kicked off with a Texas-style BBQ dinner and a live music performance by local entertainer Andy Chase.

"We just happened to be in the area visiting from Kenya, Africa for a conference and heard about the event from our hotel, and I told my husband we absolutely had to go support the Navy for this evening," said Raelinna Winston, a registered nurse and missionary. "The Navy has such a presence in Africa and they have done so much humanitarian work in the Horn of Africa that being here to say thank you for that and support them was a must for us."

After dinner, guests were greeted in the Pioneer Amphitheater in the canyon by the master-of-ceremonies Walt Howard, from Amarillo News Channel 10. He introduced the first speaker Lt. Randall Molloy, commanding officer NOSC Amarillo, who received proclamations from both the city of Canyon, Texas and the city of Amarillo, that recognized September 12, 2015, as Navy Reserve Day.

"Having the City of Canyon and Amarillo represented here is such an honor," said Molloy. "We have not gotten this far without the support of our communities and the families that make them up, not only as a Reserve force but the Navy as a whole and we are so grateful for that support."

Molloy had the pleasure of introducing Rear Adm. Eric Young, commander of Navy Reserve Forces Command, who gave a speech that recognized the effort, sacrifice and hard work of the Navy Reserve men and women and their families. Young also took part in recognizing several Sailors for their hard work by awarding those service members flag letters of commendation.

Molloy followed that recognition by awarding two Reserve Sailors with Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and retaining another Sailor through a re-enlistment.

"It is really such an honor to stay in the Navy Reserve and to be able to do that witnessed by not only my family and my peers, but so many of the people in the community that support what we do, goes beyond anything I can put into words," said Construction Electrician 2nd Class Crystal Dominguez, a Navy Seabee attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 22.

As an honor to those Sailors who have given 20 years of service, Senior Chief Yeoman Howie Nelson, senior enlisted leader for NOSC Amarillo, then recognized them by reading the traditional poem "The Watch."

"Retirement is a huge milestone in anyone's life, but to serve 20 or more years in the United States Navy goes beyond just coming to the end of a job," said Nelson. "Serving in the military and making the sacrifices, accomplishing the tasks and protecting the people of our great country leaves you with an empty space when you step down from that responsibility and we read 'The Watch' to let those retiring know that they can rest easy because those of us still serving will take over and not let them down," said Nelson.

Walt Howard then introduced the event keynote speaker, U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

Thornberry spoke about who represents heroes to many people today such as celebrities, athletes and even politicians, but he said that is not who the real heroes are.

"Underneath all of the media hype is the real strength of the country and it's where it has always been; ordinary people doing their job, raising their families, worshiping their Lord and serving our nation. That's where the true heroes are found," said Thornberry. "That is really what we honor tonight, 100 years of real heroes."

Thornberry went on to talk about the evil in our world today and how it cannot be stopped by the news and social media or even politics.

"Only military strength can prevent and when necessary overcome that kind of evil," said Thornberry. "No matter what sophisticated planes and ships or tanks we buy, it's our people that are our most valuable asset that makes our military strong."

Those remarks touched the service members in attendance as tears filled many of the Sailor's eyes in the front row.

"The Congressman's remarks were so touching," said Information Systems Technician Second Class Virginia Romero. "It is hard not to get emotional when someone like him puts into words the struggles and sacrifice of what we do and then shows genuine appreciation because sometimes as the service member we forget to feel the pride because of feeling the guilt of being away from our families, and Congressman Thornberry's speech helped remind us that it is ok to be proud of what we do and that we should be."

The night came to an end in true Texas fashion according to NOSC Amarillo Sailors, by "Doing it 'Big Texas Style'." With the Palo Duro Canyon as a backdrop the Navy Band Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, performed a Jazz concert that had the audience screaming, clapping and dancing.

"I cannot believe the talent of this band," said Owen Richardson, an Albuquerque, New Mexico native. "We came here to the Canyon today for a hike and found out about this event and I am so glad we came! The Navy Band was phenomenal and so impressive."

The audience thought the night was over, but once the projection of the well-known, multi-colored signature letters of the Texas Outdoor Musical 'TEXAS' logo lit up the canyon backdrop; the sky was then filled with laser lights and shooting water while dancers dressed in red, white and blue filled the stage singing "This is Our Country," and "America the Beautiful." Fireworks began to flood the sky as a woman on horseback road out to center stage from the canyon carrying "Old Glory" in a finale which guests were pleasantly unprepared for.

"I don't even know where to start! This event was just outstanding," said Clair Watson, a local Amarillo native. "I had no idea what to expect tonight, I just knew I wanted to support the military and from watching the military ceremony to the incredible Navy Band performance and now just watching this sensational performance by the Texas Musical cast, I am delighted and impressed that NOSC Amarillo put something like this together and allowed the public to be a part of it."

The Navy Reserve celebrated 100 years of service, March 3, 2015. The Navy Reserve contributed 84 percent of the Navy manpower during World War II. More than 74,000 Navy Reserve Sailors have been mobilized and deployed to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, including more than 8,000 who have completed a second combat tour. On any given day, about one third of the Navy's Reserve Component's Sailors are providing fully integrated global operational support to the Fleet and Combatant Commanders. For information on the history and heritage of the Navy Reserve as well as current Sailor stories and upcoming Centennial events, please visit http://www.navyreservecentennial.com.


For more news from Commander, Navy Reserve Force, visit www.navy.mil/.