Fort Worth is Annual Meeting Host City
By Terry Ferguson, CMSgt (ret) and Andrew Corso, Col (ret)
The Billie Renfroe Chapter proudly invites all members to this year’s Annual National Meeting in our neck of the woods and enjoy some Cowtown hospitality.
THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL MEETING will be held at the Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott Hotel & Golf Club at Champions Circle near Texas Motor Speedway from 20-24 August. The theme this year is Cowtown Round-up. We have a great experience in-store for you this year, starting on Wednesday, with the small batch tour. One of the scheduled stops is of course to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Thursday, we will host the CMSgt Howard Redd Memorial Golf Tournament right at the same property as the Annual Meeting. Thursday night will be our traditional Meet-and-Great. Friday, we will kick off the Annual Meeting followed by a tour of Lockhead Martin (F-35) or The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (TBD). Saturday, we’ll complete our Annual Meeting followed by our banquet that evening. Sunday will be our morning prayer and remembrance. That would conclude this year’s events.
In our last column about the Annual Meeting, Robin outlined local attractions like the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, John Wayne: An American Experience Museum, famous Billy Bob’s Texas, Sundance Square, numerous museums in the cultural district, beautiful Botanic Gardens, Fort Worth Zoo, and all the amazing shopping we have available. What I want to focus on in this article is a little Cowboy Culture and surrounding attractions near our Annual Meeting location.
Cowboy Culture
Anyone who knows me knows the first thing I’m going to do is brag about our Dallas Cowboys. Love or hate them, they still are considered America’s Team. Okay, okay, enough of that. We do have a lot to brag about in the local area from the Chisholm Trail, as previously stated, the historic Stockyards, where the steaks
come bigger than the plate. We have amazing night life at one of the world’s largest honky tonk, Billy Bob’s Texas. If you plan a visit to this area, I recommend you dust off those boots and enjoy some true Cowboy Culture. You could make an entire day of the Stockyards area. It is filled with little shops and breweries and beer joints. Plenty of shopping for the western wear you may have left at home.
Surrounding Attractions
TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY: (1.2 miles) Real close outside the venue you will see the Texas Motor Speedway, with all its attendant NASCAR thrills. For those interested they offer events such as track tours and the ultimate driving experience. You’ll need to call for availability and reservations.
ROANOKE, TEXAS: (5 miles) Known for their small-town charm and big city heart. The City of Roanoke was officially named, by the Texas House of Representatives, "The Unique Dining Capital of Texas!" Visit one of more than 60 delicious and unique eateries. If you are into craft beers, check out their Soul Fire Brewing Company. Roanoke welcomes you, your family, and friends to enjoy our laid back, charming, small-town atmosphere.
TANGER OUTLETS: (0.6 miles) All the shopping you might want in one location. Tanger Outlets is a series of little shopping strips housing some of the most popular brands available today, from Coach, Crocks, H&M, Old Navy, Polo Ralph Lauren, Sketchers, Under Armor, to name a few.
BUCC-EE’S: (1.1 miles) If you have never visited a Bucc-ee’s before, you’re in for a real treat. One is located within a mile of the venue. They offer a wide range of jerkies, amazing BBQ sandwiches and a variety of different nuts and candies. But it’s a lot more than just food items. If you enjoy the country feel, they have a shopping area with all the country items you might need for your home. I went in just looking for some stuffed jalapenos for the grill and an hour and a half later I finally left the store. Just a fair warning.
CABELLA’S: (6.7 miles) Is located directly across Interstate 35W from the venue and offers a military discount of 10% on almost everything, 5% on guns and ammo. Truly an outdoors person’s paradise. It has so much to offer that it’s another one of those places you just get lost in looking at everything they have to offer.
DINING VENUES: To be honest, there are too many to list them all, but here are a few favorites: Smokin’ Oak Bar & Grill, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Chick-fil-A, Jackdaw Fort Worth, Newk’s Eatery, Kurogi Ramen and Sushi, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Rosa’s Café & Tortilla Factory, and I would be remised if I didn’t mention one of Texas’ favorite…Whataburger.
Again, we hope your visit to the Billie Renfroe Chapter’s stomping grounds is an eventful, pleasant experience for all planning on attending. If you haven’t decided yet, hopefully you will decide yes, as this year will be an event to remember.
