SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
Supporting the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo for more than six years, San Antonio native Lt. Cmdr. Markel Zatarain, a Reserve officer programs recruiter assigned to Navy Recruiting District San Antonio, or NRD-SA, was honored as an Outstanding Volunteer of the Year for 2017-2018 during the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Ceremony held at the Freeman Expo Hall Jan. 10.
Joining Zatarain as an Outstanding Committeeman of the Year was Marine veteran Richard Delgado Jr., director of Military Affairs for Texas A&M University-San Antonio.
The two men were nominated by Rodeo Ticket Committee chairwoman Kelly Ross.
“Both Markel and Richard have done some outstanding work on the committee,” Ross said. “They both have passion for our Wounded Service Member Program and volunteer every chance they get to make our programs successful.”
Presenting the awards were San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Chairman Joe Soules, Executive Director and CEO Cody Davenport and President Rusty Collier.
“I am very honored and humbled to be receiving this award,” Zatarain said. “I could not have been more proud of this, even though I feel that I don't deserve it.”
Zatarain credits his volunteerism and dedication to his father.
“My greatest inspiration was my dad from whom I was fortunate enough to inherit his work ethic, demeanor, love of life, and never ending pursuit of knowledge,” Zatarain said. “I want to thank Kelly Ross, Richard Delgado Jr., Mama Joy Turner, James Kinney and all the committee members. It is truly a team effort.”
Zatarain, along with the other honorees, will be featured on the walls of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo Hall of Fame for 2019.
In addition to his rodeo accolades, Zatarain was recognized as the NRD’s 2018 Reserve Officer Recruiter and Diversity Officer Recruiter of the Year during an awards banquet held at the Hangar Hotel and Convention Center in Fredericksburg, Texas, Dec. 13.
For his service, Zatarain was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
“I am fortunate to be part of a great command and be able work with a great crew of recruiters,” Zatarain said. “I have an extremely supportive wife who understands the world of recruiting and I could not have accomplished anything in my life or career without her support.”