JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Rodolfo “Rudy” Morales Miranda, an Installation Management Command headquarters professional at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, has been giving back to the community through his music.
Recently, his bands have donated time and money to the San Antonio Food Bank, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. in San Antonio, Texas, and Gold Star Family organizations.
Morales Miranda started an IMCOM band, “The Busted Budget Blues Band,” in 2010 when he approached the IMCOM command group with the request in 2011 to boost headquarters morale and support the service culture campaign.
The service culture campaign is an initiative used to enhance organizational culture where team members feel valued and respected.
“When we did our first jam session we invited all musicians from the headquarters,” Morales Miranda said. “Over the years, the Command Group and IMCOM Chaplain’s Office have always been big supporters.”
Morales Miranda said they found a lot of great musicians and vocalists in the headquarters. They started to play at many charitable events including the JBSA Military Child Education Program School Liaison Office Fill a Back Pack Drive, Woman’s Equality Day, Toys for Tots and Feds Feed families.
According to Morales Miranda, the band, in collaboration with IMCOM G357 staff has raised more than 16 tons of food for the San Antonio Food Bank over the years. They have recently donated to the food bank because of their need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I don’t do all of this alone, and it’s always a team effort here in IMCOM,” Morales Miranda said. “For September, we are working with the Blues Society to host a six-hour event to benefit the food bank. “They are going to need a lot of food for Thanksgiving.”
Morales Miranda’s personal band, “Blues Like It Usta Wuz," is currently in a song contest through Bankersmith Texas. If they win, they plan on donating part of their prize money.
“When COVID-19 hit, we lost a lot of our gigs,” Morales Miranda said. “We want to make up for those shows because we always donate a portion of our earnings to charities and veterans organizations.”
When asked why he donates his time and the band’s earnings, Morales Miranda said it is because he knows how others feel when they receive the help.
“These organizations are always in need,” Morales Miranda said. “When I was a kid, I used to get free lunches at school so I know what happens when you don’t get a meal. Having been a recipient of that charity and goodwill, I understand it and that’s why I support it. “
Morales Miranda also said he wants to live up to the Army civilian value of selfless service and invites others to do volunteer work because it’s the right thing to do and it will make them feel good about themselves.