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James Hastings. Photo by Stormont Vail Health Media Relations

PAFRA: Outside of communication styles and issues, what’s the are very appreciative of. Each and every one of them sees things
most difficult part about being a mentor? differently and was able to give us personalized advice and things to
CP: The toughest part is juggling the fact of being on the road and also practice. Hopefully, this gives a new meaning to servant leadership
maintaining time for the family and ranch. This takes quite a bit of my and the importance of mentorship. I know David and I are ready to
time and makes it difficult to give back as much as I’d like. give back what we have learned to some of the younger Airmen eager
to learn back in Cheyenne.
PAFRA: On your journey to your first NFR, what’s one thing you wish
you knew prior to leaving? Since our topic of focus is servant leadership, we would love to
CP: This is a great question and simple answer: soak it all in and highlight one of our very own members. Eva Scofield is not only a
enjoy every moment. The NFR is such a special opportunity and it’s veteran, but she has been selected to shoot the NFR three times
easy to lose sight of the accomplishment and leave without actually and once to the RAM National Circuit Finals. Additionally, she was
appreciating the situation. selected as the PRCA photographer of the year in 2012! This vet
has done some amazing work, and we are so proud to have her as
PAFRA: What’s been your greatest setback on the road to part of team PAFRA. Every year she is at our World Championship
competition at the NFR level? Rodeo, she donates her time and provides her photographs free for
CP: Time is always a setback to rodeoing professionally. My family all contestants. We were so honored to have her carry our PAFRA
is priority when I am home, but I have to make time to practice and flag this year at Cheyenne Frontier Days. This was part of Military
improve. My wife is understanding of the situation and supports the Monday’s festivities, and we couldn’t think of a more deserving
road trips and practices, but when possible, I need to give her and the member to represent us for this inaugural opportunity.
girls as much of my time as I can.”
While she served in the Navy, she deployed in support of: Operations
PAFRA: Once you know your place is secured on the list as an NFR Provide Comfort, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. We thank
contestant, who is the first call you make seeking advice from? Eva for her faithful service from 1985-2015. She said the reason this
CP: It is funny because I not only rely on Speed Williams to keep me rodeo association is so important to her is, “PAFRA keeps me engaged
on the straight and narrow, but also my wife Stephanie. While Speed with my brothers and sisters in arms.”
keeps the rodeo into perspective, Steph provides all the other aspects
of making the experience great for our family. We understand that If anyone is interested in learning more about the Professional
this isn’t about me, but rather family memories. Armed Forces Rodeo Association, please check us out at http://
www.rodeopafra.com/. Not only are we always looking for more
David and I can’t thank these gentlemen and their supportive families competitors, but we have leadership opportunities available to help
enough. They all graciously gave us time and expertise that we this organization continue to grow and strengthen our outreach goals.

48 Rodeo LIFE