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chance to say thank you to each of the family members that will be We were honored to visit our Warrior Family in the Topeka Veterans
present. Bringing them to us at the rodeo venue not only allows Affairs Hospital for the second year in a row on Thursday, 24 October
them to enjoy the show, but it also allows them to bond with military 2019. Our time with these amazing veterans is a highlight for each
families. Nothing replicates the fellowship of being surrounded by of us as we share some inspirational stories. Each and every one of
others in the same situation as it takes a special bond to understand these vets has different experiences that our current service members
the trials and tribulations. Supporting our past and present service can learn from. This year, we brought some of our PAFRA youth, and
members is a foundational core belief that can’t be easily explained. to see the vets interact and share stories of their generation
Much like our rodeo families, our military families have a bond like was remarkable.
no other.
On Saturday evening, as a part of our Honoring the Past, we had some
PAFRA members went to Fort Riley’s Army Air Force Exchange Service of these very same Veterans be guests of ours at the finals rodeo
(AAFES), along with the Commanding General's Mounted Color where we honored them for their service to our country. Before
Guard on Wednesday, 23 October 2019. Rodeo contestants and this our rodeo performance on Saturday the 26th, we introduced our
professional team of 12 members were available for a meet and greet. Children’s Day. We had half of our contestants engaging with thirty
Immediately following that event, we transitioned over to visit the local kids in several rodeo focused events such as roping lessons,
Stormont Vail Hospital. This was an indoor and outdoor event; the clown makeup class, and horse-riding opportunities. We provided
hospital was excited to allow the children to interact with our PAFRA free entrance for the children and two adults to the rodeo that night.
rodeo contestants and horses. We centered the visit on the Children’s We were ecstatic to add this "Forging our Future" theme to this year’s
Mercy Ward of the hospital, and this was a great opportunity for lineup of events.
interactions with some of our competing members and PAFRA
leadership team. Every single one of us enjoyed seeing the beautiful That night, as a part of the opening events for our Championship
smiles on their faces as they got to interact and ask questions about Round, there was a mass Army Reenlistment Ceremony with Soldiers
our events and horses. from Fort Riley's 1st Infantry Division combined with an Army Futures
Command enlistment ceremony. This was a fantastic opportunity
While we were at the hospital, most of our interactions were with for all the young recruits to interact with several current active duty
oncology patients. Sharon Milton was one of the horse owners who members and for veterans to gain perspective and to communicate
shared her beautiful boy with the children. After it was over, she said, with so many experienced members at one time. The feedback from
“That was a truly memorable experience to share my equine best last year was top notch! It’s important that we acknowledge the
friend, Chance, with the children at Stormont Vail Hospital. Hearing recruiters that worked with us to line up this phenomenal moment
what they love about us visiting and seeing big smiles on their faces during our opening event at our final rodeo. ª
touched my heart!”

42 Rodeo LIFE
Coleman Proctor and David Teets Jr. Photo by JaNhae Williams