2025 Downtown Rodeo Parade Grand Marshals Announced

Source: Graphic by Radio One Staff

HOUSTON — RodeoHouston will be honoring the 250th anniversary of three branches of the U.S. military in their 2025 Downtown Rodeo Parade, as three top military leaders will serve as grand marshals; 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.

“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,” Rodeo president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Chris Boleman said. “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.”

The 2025 Rodeo Run, Presented by ConocoPhillips precedes the parade. The Rodeo Run kicks off at 9 a.m., Saturday, March 1. The parade begins at 10 a.m.

About the Grand Marshals

Gen. Rainey was commissioned as an infantry lieutenant after graduating from Eastern Kentuckian University in 1987. He’s served in many combat deployments, including both Afghanistan and Iraq. He was promoted to general and assigned commanding general of the United States Army Futures Command in September of 2022. The AFC is headquartered in Austin. Gen. Rainey was honored on Armed Forces Appreciation Day at the 2024 Rodeo.

Rear Adm. Waters graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1989, and was commissioned for a variety of division officer assignments on several naval vessels. He’s served on the USS Alabama, USS Henry M. Jackson and USS Philadelphia. He’s also commanded the submarine USS Virginia (SSN 774), Submarine Squadron 4 and Submarine Group 2. He is currently commander of the Navy Recruiting Command, a post he’s held since March of 2024.

Brigadier Gen. Ryans enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1988 and was commissioned in 1995 after graduating from Jacksonville University. He severed as Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer for the 1st Battalion, 8th Marines. He’s served in Afghanistan, Albania and Iraq. As the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Western Recruiting Region, he oversees all recruiting efforts in the Western United States; this includes Recruiting Station Houston.