Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Sinthia Rosario | Cowboy Brandon Biebelle from San Lorenzo, N.M., holds the thick rein tightly during...... read more read more
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El PASO, Texas — Service members and their families enjoyed the opening kickoff of the 83rd Annual Southwestern International Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, held at Cohen Stadium, Sept. 20, 2012.
The SW International PRCA Rodeo is one of the longest running sports events in El Paso.
This event draws attention to many service members especially on Military Appreciation Night.
“A bunch of friends were coming out here, so I decided to join along,” said Pfc. Edward H. Lee an Infantry assigned to 1st Squadron, 13th Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Brigade, 1st Armored Division.
Lee also stated it was his is second time at this rodeo, here at Cohen Stadium, and he has been to multiple ones in Florida.
“It’s been pretty exciting,” exclaimed Lee. “Military Appreciation [Night], that’s nice! There’s lots of military out there that don’t have a lot of money because they [have] family problems or what not, and getting in free helps them get out of the house, have something to do.”
Although military families have free admission to the rodeo this night, it did not upset the El Paso residents.
Mark Taylor a construction worker from El Paso said “Didn’t know it was Military Appreciation Night.”
“I think it’s fair. These soldiers put their lives on the line for our country and giving them free tickets to come to the rodeo is just our way of saying. 'thank you for all that you do for us.'”
During this event, service members, their families and civilians sat on the bleachers, held their breaths and cheered with pleasure as the cowboys participated in various events.
“[The] rodeo is about having a good time, showing appreciation,” said Sgt. Calvin H. Wynne, operations noncommissioned officer assigned to D Company, 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Division, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. “It’s a good competition to see how it was back in the day, breaking in bulls and broncos.”
Seeing and learning about the rodeo can be a good experience for those who have never been to a rodeo.
Taylor stated, “It was my first time at a rodeo and it was not what I expected. “I expected it to be Bull Riding only. I learned there are more activities such as Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down-Roping, Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Team Roping, Barrel Race and Mutton Bustin for little kids that want to be cowboys. This was a great experience.”
According to Spc. Blake A. Adolph with Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Armored Division, the rodeo is a family event and it’s great for kids and great for people that don’t have kids.
“It’s all about the adrenaline rush, the dirt and the sweat,” said El Paso resident Sheila Rodriguez. “I haven’t been to many rodeos but so far this has been the best, can’t wait for tomorrow!”
| Date Taken: | 09.20.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2012 18:40 |
| Story ID: | 95224 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 82 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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