Contributed by Lieutenant Israel Soza:

On December 2^nd, 2012, members of the Corpus Christi Police Departments Honor Guard were privileged to attend a First Responders Appreciation Event at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.  The Cowboys held their first such event in appreciation of all police, fire, medical, and any another first responder entity.   Agencies throughout the State of Texas attended this special occasion and it was estimated that over 600 first responders were participating.

As a group, we were to be recognized at halftime and march on the field.  Sunday morning, the officers and I were immediately welcomed at a local IHOP.  The public was curious to know as to why Corpus Christi police officers were dressed in uniform eating far away from home.  After advising the curious patrons what our plans were, the thank you’s started pouring in.  It was such a great feeling to have a distant community appreciate our stay, welcome our presence, and identify our line of work.   A retired veteran courteously paid for our breakfast and said this was his way of saying thank you.  If this was the start of our day, we were definitely anxious to experience the halftime show.

We arrived at Cowboys stadium and began our rehearsals.  I was approached by several different chiefs, majors, and other officers extending their thanks for our participation.  The agencies recognized that we were the furthest police department participating and representing South Texas.  One honor guard officer from a different agency approached one of our other members, looking at him with a raised eyebrow, nodding his head, and commented, “Corpus Christi…..you guys are everywhere.  Thanks for coming.”  With that statement alone, I know and feel confident that the CCPD Honor Guard has established itself as a well-respected and recognized unit.  To feel valued by your fellow brothers and sisters is like no other.  Halftime was here and its now show time.

S/O Luis Rodriguez and I were amongst the first participants about to enter the field staring down the tunnel waiting for the cue to march in.  S/O’s James Morales, Jeremy Guerrero, and Michael Garcia were assigned with the color guard holding the United States, State of Texas, and City of Corpus Christi flags.  We were fortunate to meet up with the Corpus Christi Fire Department’s Pipe and Drum Corps members Dan Sheppard (Bagpipes), Brian Pike (Snare Drum), and Rodney Appleby (Bass Drum).  When the command was given, the pipe and drum corp band consisting of Customs and Border Protection, CCFD, and other agencies marched in playing Amazing Grace honoring our fallen brothers and sisters who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Photos of the some fallen were displayed over the jumbotron. The color guard members took post along one end zone wrapping around one sideline and ending at another end zone.  When the third song was played, the group that Rodriguez and I were in, marched onto the field and we stood at attention at our designated spots.   At that moment, more than 81,000 fans began to stand, yell, and applaud.   Then the camera flashes began to illuminate throughout.   With great pride and honor, accompanied with knots in our throats and the tightening of our stomachs, we graciously welcomed this humbled time.  For once, the feeling we endured was for a positive account of who we are and what we do and not for what we lost and who to mourn.

We’d like to thank administration for allowing us to represent our department.  As long as we have the continued support, we will continue to make every effort possible to attend special functions, honor our fallen brothers and sisters, and represent our department with honor and integrity.