Veterans Day Salute: Team Ropers Who Served

Kyle Vinyard, U.S. Army (active), at Charly Crawford's 2021 American Military Celebration. Courtesy AMC/Click Thompson.

This Veterans Day, the staff at The Team Roping Journal offer our heartfelt thanks to the military veterans who’ve served our country. On occasion, we have the privilege of sharing their stories—and the stories of the ropers who support them.

American Military Celebration 2022 Branding

Crawford, along with the AMC board of directors are working to expand their programs and offer new opportunities for these servicemen and women. On Sunday, May 22, 2022 that went into full effect when they hosted the first-ever United We Brand event.

An American Patriot & Paul Eaves: U.S. Marine Sam Burke’s Letter to Rodeo

A letter on the value of rodeo, from Sam Burke—U.S. Marine Corps veteran and champion high school roping partner to World Champion Paul Eaves.

A Salute: Veteran, First Responder Donnie Woodmansee

“Look for the helpers,” says a Mr. Rogers quote. There, you’ll find Colorado roper Donnie Woodmansee: First responder, military veteran, father and husband.

Donnie Woodmansee. Western Edge Photography

Full Circle: Texas Woman Donates Heel Horse, Kids’ Horse, Saddle, and Ropes to Iraq War Veteran

Karen Hering, moved by Charly Crawford’s free veteran’s roping school, donates horses, saddles, and ropes to Iraq War Army Veteran Jon Kelly.

Professional Armed Forces Power Couple: Travis & Jessica Beck

On Veterans Day, we sit down with special guests Travis and Jessica Beck, both veterans and rodeo athletes, on this podcast episode of “The Score.”

Travis Beck heads at the PAFRA World Finals. Richard A. Wiley Photography

Roping Patriot Chance Henderson Serves Country and Cowboys

Cowboy patriot Chance Henderson has now full circled back to helping cowboys after serving his country for 31 years and retiring recently as U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Chance Henderson.

Serving Those Who Served

As if feeding America wasn’t service enough, Arizona cattle rancher and Ariat WSTR Finale money-earner Enoch Malouff also hosts and mentors military veterans each year, in appreciation of their service.

Tour de Force: Lt. Col. Bill Force

Lt. Col. Bill Force (ret.) was military first, then law enforcement. Since sinking his teeth into team roping, he’s putting all of his networks to work doing immeasurable good.

Veteran’s Affair: W.T. Ridings’ Team Roping Story

Korean War Veteran W.T. Ridings’ love affair with team roping has roots in 1940s Oklahoma.

Warrior Nation: Erich Rogers, Derrick Begay and Aaron Tsinigine Host WAR Team Roping Clinic

To honor the service and sacrifice of the military veterans of their home Nation, Navajo ropers Erich Rogers, Derrick Begay & Aaron Tsinigine partnered with Warriors and Rodeo to provide a free clinic.