Serving Those Who Served
By Ashley Renteria and Jonathan Celiz
The smell of rib eye steak on the barbeque was enough to bring in a crowd on Thursday October 8th for Taft College’s annual Cougar Cookout.
The campus celebrated with catering provided by Sonny’s BBQ, a Red Oak Santa Maria style BBQ restaurant, live music from The Nightlife Band, a fitting tribute to our veterans, and a special recognition to Taft College 1942 alumnist Harry Wilson.
The Nightlife Band
This year’s cookout was especially noteworthy as it coincided with Oildorado with appearances by the Wooden Nickel Gang and the Sheriff’s Posse. Taft College’s President Dena Maloney and former Sheriff’s Posse member Billy White were served an arrest warrant and detained by the Sheriff’s Posse in their mobile jail cell.
Board President Billy White and President/Superintendent arrested on warrants and placed in the hoosegow by the Sheriff’s Posse.
A large crowd consisting of family, friends, and fellow classmates reunited and socialized out in the campus quad while the local cheer team Fire and Ice performed a dance and cheer routine.
Fire and Ice
Taft College’s mascot, Cougie the Cougar, stopped by to make an appearance, dance along to music, and pose for photos.
Cougie
Before dinner was served, Sheri Horn-Buck and the guests honored our former veterans, and led the crowd in a flag salute and tribute for their fellow veterans in attendance.
Color Guard with Sheri Bunk-Horn preparing to salute the flag.
Around 7 pm the food was ready, the guests formed long lines to be served by members of the TC Men’s Soccer Team. Rib eye steak with a side of salsa, chili beans, potato salad, garlic bread, and salad were on the menu for the night.
Soccer team members help with serving dinner
What a steak!
Meat being cut to be served
Dinner was served and guests were eating and mingling to music performed by the Nightlife Band. Shortly, the band took a break from playing while Sheri Horn-Buck introduced a 4 minute long tribute video to veterans.
Honor Flight information
Two veterans at the Honor Flight display
Sharyn Eveland examines the Honor Flight board.