Today and every day, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the military veterans and first responders who have served our country and our communities. We’re honored to share their stories, along with the stories of the roping community members who rally around them.
This year’s roundup gathers the Military Salute stories we’ve told over the past year, from a firefighter who found peace in the heeling box to an Army Ranger raising ropers of his own.
Thank you to Equinety for helping us share stories of military members, veterans and first responders in the team roping community.
FIREFIGHTER & EMT
After 30,000 Emergency Calls, J.R. Berry Finds Peace in the Arena
A lifelong first responder, J.R. Berry turned to roping as an outlet.
ARMY VETERAN & POLICE OFFICER
A Baltimore First Responder Came to Texas to Retire—Then He Was Handed a Rope
After decades of duty, Steve Duley finds a new type of brotherhood.
ARMY VETERAN
A Recruiter Mistake Led Chris Taylor to the Army—and Team Roping
A recruiter’s mistake changed Chris Taylor’s life, leading him from Army intelligence and airborne service to family life, recovery work, and team roping.
MARINE VETERAN & POLICE OFFICER
She Fixed Fighter Jets, Joined the Force and Put Her Rope Horse on the Beat
She started out fixing F-18 fighter jets. Now, Liz Loring uses her rope horse to protect and serve.
ARMY RANGER
Ranger, Roper
For generations, the Sanchez family has answered the call to serve—and to rope.
RETIRED ARMY CAPTAIN
Veteran. Girl Dad. Roping Dad.
Gauge Fleming carries her father’s toughness into team roping and beyond.
AIR FORCE VETERAN
From Desert Storm to RopeSmart: How John McCarthy Turned An Injury Into a Better Way to Rope
One bad dally changed everything. What started as an injured hand became the inspiration for RopeSmart.
—TRJ—
Thank you to Equinety for helping us share stories of military members, veterans and first responders in the team roping community .