Freeman was also a crucial hub for emergency response efforts during some of the most challenging times faced by the community, particularly during events like Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike. “The state and our statewide strike team has found this site to be a great location for a command area,” details Howard.“During Hurricane support as they’re going down and getting people from the coastlines, ambulances, search and rescue teams, busses, and unfortunately, teams with cadaver dogs, will come to this site to begin to create their plan, and then they go downstream and execute the action that they’re required to do.” Additionally, the coliseum has opened its doors as a medical center for patients requiring urgent care. “There are a tremendous number of talented professionals in the state of Texas and our emergency and nursing systems. Hats off to them for the work that they do. Our role is just to support them from the facility side to make sure that they have a clean environment, a humidity or temperature controlled environment, and all the other supports that we add as they’re doing the great work that they do,” he explains. Howard expands on the coliseum’s education and local youth initiatives, which further exemplify community support and connection. He points to a partnership with the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, sharing “Over the years, the rodeo has generated over $300 million in scholarships that they’ve paid out to students in our local area for college and post-high school education in support of their future.” Freeman Coliseum supports local schools, participating in annual Christmas and Back to School drives. The team also seeks out creative ways to aid students, such as assembling gift boxes for college freshmen. “The first year of school is one of those challenging transitions for kids. We wanted to help them in their journey, to show them that they are appreciated, and we’re thinking about them, and we’re wishing them success,” Howard explains. The group has also taken on projects such as repainting playground areas and helping to rehabilitate homes for families facing financial 170 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09
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