Colo. military members to participate in National Western Stock Show

  • Published
  • By Maj. Elena O'Bryan
  • Colorado National Guard Public Affairs
The Colorado National Guard and other Colorado-based military service members will participate in the ProRodeo Military Appreciation Day Jan. 18.

The event will take place at the National Western Stock show in Denver tomorrow beginning at 6 p.m. ahead of the 7 p.m. rodeo performance at the rodeo coliseum.

The Adjutant General of Colorado, Maj. Gen. Mike Edwards, will ride in a stagecoach. The 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard will post the colors. They will carry the U.S. and U.S. Army Flags in 1874-patterned 3rd Cavalry Regiment uniforms. The Colorado Army National Guard's 101st Army Band will perform an armed forces medley, the national anthem and an assortment of patriotic music. There will also be a closing salute to the military. The Colorado Army and Air National will have recruiting booths in the NWSS complex.

Approximately 2,000 Colorado Guardsmen, other military service members and their families, including wounded warriors and Gold Star families, will attend the event. Donations from Coloradoans paid for the tickets.

Wounded warriors are those who have suffered military service-connected injuries or illnesses. "Gold Star" describes a family who has lost a loved one in military combat.

"We're truly grateful to the National Western Stock Show and the citizens of the great state of Colorado for honoring our military members and their families in this way," said Edwards. "As a farmer myself, I consider this a welcome tribute from our neighbors on the ProRodeo circuit, with whom we share a common western heritage. Our military members and their families depend on a support network like we have here in Colorado as they serve our state and nation."

"The National Western Stock Show is so very appreciative of our armed forces and their families. This night will be special not only to the NWSS and to the attendees, but also to the entire state of Colorado," said the President and CEO of the Stock Show Paul Andrews.

During the decade since 9/11, CONG Citizen-Soldiers and Citizen-Airmen have deployed more than 6,000 times while maintaining state emergency response capabilities and supporting homeland defense missions and overseas contingency operations.

The National Western Stock Show, which runs from Jan. 7-22, is a professional rodeo and horse show in its 106th year.

For Assignment Editors: Media wishing to cover this event must contact National Western Stock Show media and public relations at 303-297-1166 ext.
5522 to obtain a press pass. To locate the coliseum and parking options, please access the NWSS website.