Stock show honors Colorado National Guard

Photo By Staff Sgt. Aaron Rognstad | The Adjutant General of Colorado Maj. Gen. H. Michael Edwards takes top honors on a late 19th- century stagecoach with Purple Heart recipients Spc. Randall Orvis of the 193rd Military Police Battalion and Tech. Sgt. Richard Gibbons of the 140th Civil Engineering Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Jan. 22, 2010. The ride was part of a formal ceremony during National Guard Day at the rodeo.  

DENVER

01.22.2010

Story by Staff Sgt. Aaron Rognstad 

Colorado National Guard

DENVER — As part of its National Guard Day, the National Western Stock Show honored the Citizen-Soldiers and -Airmen of the Colorado National Guard and helped commemorate its 150th anniversary.

Along with the day's rodeo, Guardsmen paraded around the rodeo arena on a stagecoach. During a break in the action, Sgt. Jordan Blake of the Colorado Army National Guard's 193rd Military Police Battalion sang the national anthem. Following the afternoon's final event, nearly 100 Soldiers from her unit marched in the arena.

Along with a COARNG recruiting booth, the National Guard Patriot Chopper was on display. The Patriot Chopper is a custom built motorcycle designed by four National Guard Soldiers — two of whom are from Colorado.

"I'm a big supporter of the National Guard," Army veteran Troy Kelvins of Lakewood, Colo., said as he dismounted the Patriot Chopper. "As a combat vet myself, of Desert Storm, it means a lot to me that guys are out there putting their lives on the line for us — the citizens of this nation — and for all of you to be out here today gives us a chance to thank you for your service."

Several Colorado Guardsmen were given the afternoon off to participate in the day's event and turned out in uniform to take in the festivities with their families.

Tech. Sgt. Shannon Blasus, a full-time ordnance technician with the 140th Wing's Armament shop, said he enjoyed the rodeo and the National Western Stock Show's honoring of the CONG was much appreciated.

Spc. Randall Orvis of the 193rd MP Battalion and Tech. Sgt. Richard Gibbons of the 140th Civil Engineering Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, both Purple Heart recipients, were honored with a ride on the back of a late-19th century stagecoach pulled by Clydesdales. In front were Adjutant General of Colorado Maj. Gen. Michael H. Edwards, and Brig. Gen. Trulan A. Eyre, 140th Wing commander.
Eyre thanked the men and women of the National Western Stock Show for their support.

"It's a two-way street. We got some exposure for them when we flew one of their pro rodeo cowboys in the backseat of an F-16, and they are providing a day for our family members to enjoy being connected with the community and the old-school western side of life," Eyre said. "We certainly appreciate all the support of the National Western Stock Show and we hope that this is a relationship that we continue to grow in the future."

The National Western Stock Show and the Colorado National Guard teamed up to educate the Denver community about the CONG's missions and heritage. As part of this, following the final rodeo event, patrons were shown a brief video that showcased some of the Guard's responsibilities to its community, state and nation. Immediately following, nearly 100 men and women of the 193rd MP Battalion marched into the arena in formation and saluted the crowd.

Also shown was a recent video of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association champion Josh Peek's F-16 orientation flight. Peek, a native of Pueblo, Colo., was given a backseat ride in the Colorado Air National Guard fighter jet Jan. 10. As part of the Air Force's community outreach efforts, orientation flights provide Americans who, because of their position and contact with various public organizations, can make positive contributions to public understanding of the roles and missions of the Department of Defense. An F-16 flight provides first-hand opportunities to view the quality and capabilities of American servicemembers and weapons systems.

The 193rd is deploying for additional training before it heads to Afghanistan for a year-long deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Orvis will be deploying for his second time in three years.

"It was a little awkward being paraded around, but I don't mind because it is a big event for the Guard with their 150th birthday," he said. "Events like today are extremely important because they get the word out that the National Guard is a civilian-based first-responder that does a lot. I originally came from the 220th (Military Police Company) and they've been activated for just about everything from the Olympics to fighting forest fires to Hurricane Katrina. We played a vital role in a lot of stateside missions, so it gives you a sense of pride being involved in an organization like this."

• Date Taken: 01.22.2010
• Date Posted: 02.01.2010 16:51
• Story ID: 44749
• Location: DENVER