US Armed Forces Leaders Named 2025 RodeoHouston Parade Grand Marshals

HOUSTON — The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo announced that top leaders from three U.S. military branches will lead the charge of the 2025 rodeo by serving as grand marshals.

The 2025 grand marshals will include U.S. Army Commanding General James E. Rainey, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral James P. Waters, and U.S. Marine Corps Brigadier General James A. Ryans II. All three military branches these leaders serve will celebrate 250 years of service in 2025, making it a special year for them to serve as the rodeo’s 2025 grand marshals.

“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo proudly supports the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who serve our country, and to honor them on a year when all three branches mark two and a half centuries of service is one that cannot be overstated,” said Chris Boleman, rodeo president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “The rodeo uniquely salutes those who serve throughout the rodeo season, including Armed Forces Appreciation Day, presented by Crown Royal and this announcement brings that same touch to the parade in downtown Houston.”

Gen. Rainey commissioned as an infantry lieutenant upon graduating from Eastern Kentucky University in 1987. He has commanded at every level from platoon to division and has served in numerous combat deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Gen. Rainey was honored as the Senior General Officer on Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the 2024 rodeo.

Gen. James Rainey, US Army
Gen. James Rainey, US Army (Photo Credit: RodeoHouston)

Rear Adm. James Waters took command of Navy Recruiting Command in March 2024. He is a native of Ellington, Connecticut, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1989. His sea tours include various division officer assignments on USS Henry M. Jackson, engineering officer on USS Philadelphia and executive officer on USS Alabama. He commanded the fast attack submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774), Submarine Squadron 4, and Submarine Group 2. Rear Adm. Waters and his wife, Terry, have four adult children and live in Millington, Tennessee.

Rear Adm. James Waters
Rear Adm. James Waters, U.S. Marine Corps (Photo Credit: RodeoHouston)

Brigadier Gen. Ryans enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1988 and was commissioned upon graduating from Jacksonville University in 1995. Following The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course, he reported to the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, where he served as a platoon commander and company executive officer. Gen. Ryans has held command at all levels. As the commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region, he is in command of all recruiting efforts in the Western United States, which includes Recruiting Station Houston. Gen. Ryans and his wife, Krista, have four children.

Brigadier Gen. Ryans
Brigadier Gen. Ryans (Photo Credit: RodeoHouston)

The Downtown RodeoHouston Parade is a tradition that began in 1938 and marks the official start of the rodeo season.

For more information about the Downtown Rodeo Parade, visit rodeohouston.com/Visit-theRodeo/Pre-Rodeo-Events/Parade.

By: Erica Ponder

Similar Posts