JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
In the months and weeks ahead of the Great Texas Freedom Fest, a core team of planners met behind closed doors to hash out everything from fireworks timing to generator logistics. For Maj. Dari Moore, director of the Freedom Fest, and Kimberly Gilman, director of support staff, these moments defined the mission — organizing one of Joint Base San Antonio’s most ambitious public showcases of military readiness, unity, and capability.
“This isn’t just an event — it’s a platform,” Moore said. “It’s our opportunity to demonstrate not just who we are, but what we can do, and why we do it.”
The Great Texas Freedom Fest, hosted at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, is more than a community open house. It is a full-scale engagement effort aimed at bridging the military and civilian worlds while advancing the military’s goals of showcasing lethality, boosting readiness, supporting recruitment and reaffirming its joint mission.
With static military displays, STEM exhibits, Special Warfare demonstrations and a grand finale fireworks show, the event tells a story — one that starts long before the first visitor walks through the gate.
“Freedom Fest is the biggest event we’re having this year on JBSA,” said Connie Szeszko, JBSA sponsorship and advertising coordinator. “We’re opening the gates to everyone, and it’s our chance to show off all the bells and whistles.”
Logistics, Leadership, and Legacy
Moore’s leadership is anchored in a clear mission: to fuse entertainment with purpose. Inspired by the theme “United in Service,” he emphasized the power of collaboration — between military branches, city officials, civilian partners and the San Antonio community.
“This festival is about connection,” Moore said. “It’s about building trust and transparency, while giving the public a clear look at our capabilities. Whether it’s Special Warfare teams in action or kids exploring VR and robotics, we’re showing the spectrum of opportunities in today’s military.”
Behind him, Gilman works as the operational architect. With decades of experience in event planning and Force Support Squadron operations, she managed the sprawling logistics required to pull off a one-day event of this magnitude.
“My role is to make sure it runs like a well-oiled machine,” she said. “From contracting generators to confirming 23 resource organizations, from setting up the petting zoo to awarding tent contracts — we cover it all.”
She organized axe-throwing, fitness challenges, arts and crafts tents, and STEM activities, making sure everyone has something to engage with. Her team also oversaw over 40 vendors and volunteers, bridging JBSA personnel with local small businesses and student trainees.
Overcoming Obstacles, Building Community
Events of this scale don’t happen without obstacles. The biggest challenge? Funding.
“Getting sponsorships in place was a hurdle,” Gilman said. “We had to engage local businesses and demonstrate how supporting this event uplifts the entire community.”
Beyond dollars, there were late-stage pivots, weather concerns, and the ever-present pressure to execute a seamless experience. Weekly planning sessions eventually turned into daily meetings, with every detail scrutinized.
“The team matters. Communication matters,” Moore said. “We had experts in safety, emergency management, logistics, and communications all working in harmony. You build the team. Then you trust the team.”
Mission-Driven Moments
For Moore, one of the most meaningful additions is the Special Warfare ground demonstration, which exemplifies the kind of high-performance, tactical excellence the Air Force is known for.
“These are the kinds of moments that leave an impression,” he said. “They’re not just action-packed—they’re educational, and they might inspire someone in the crowd to say, ‘That could be me.’”
After a five-year hiatus, fireworks are set to return to JBSA’s spring lineup, and the excitement is building among organizers and community members alike. With support from a major sponsor and a new addition to the show, this year’s finale is shaping up to be one for the books.
“I’m most excited about the fireworks — we haven’t had a show like this since 2019, and thanks to a major sponsorship, they’re back and better than ever,” Szeszko said.
Recruiting goals remain a focal point. With immersive career displays and tech-driven exhibits, Moore hopes the festival motivates the next generation to consider military service not just as a job, but as a calling.
“By giving people a firsthand look at the mission, we humanize the uniform,” Moore said. “We show the why.”
An Ongoing Legacy
The team’s long-term vision includes hosting GTFF every other year, alternating with the JBSA’s Great Texas Airshow, creating a steady rhythm of engagement with the community.
“This isn’t a one-time thing,” Moore said. “We want this to be a lasting tradition.”
If he could leave a message for the next director, Moore’s advice is simple but powerful: “Sweat the small stuff. Showcase the why. And never forget—this is more than a festival. It’s a bridge.”
As for Gilman, the reward is in the smiles — the kids marveling at military K-9s, the families bonding over live music and fireworks, the quiet nods of appreciation from veterans.
“When I see the whole community come together like this, it’s worth every email, every call, every contract,” Gilman said. “Because in that moment, we’re not just hosting an event. We’re honoring the mission.”