Killeen Rodeo saddles up for Military Appreciation Night

KILLEEN, Texas - As if watching cowboys, ride, rope and wrestle in front of an ecstatic crowd wasn't exciting enough, Military Appreciation Night added another level of enthusiasm May 16 and made the 77th annual Rodeo Killeen event even more rewarding.

Fort Cavazos and community leaders, Rodeo Killeen officials, volunteers and rodeo enthusiasts alike braved the light precipitation and resulting muddy conditions to witness the iconic display of skill, agility and strength displayed by the riders, horses and cattle.

Before the festivities began, Col. Timothy Jaeger, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade commander, took a moment to commemorate the evening and address the Soldiers and military family members in the audience.

"It is an absolute honor to stand before you tonight as we gather to celebrate and recognize the great men and women, along with their families, who serve our great nation," he said. "This rodeo, with its spirit of courage, skill and perseverance embodies many of the same values we hold dear in our military. As we enjoy the thrilling events of the rodeo tonight, let us keep in mind the bravery and dedication of those who served our nation."

As in years past, Rodeo Killeen Military Appreciation Night highlights the partnership with the city of Killeen and Fort Cavazos and honors the military men, women and families who make the Great Place great, while introducing history many have never witnessed.

"It's unlike anything else that you'll ever encounter," said

Stephen Laukhuf, Rodeo Killeen marketing director. "Most of the troops at Fort Cavazos have probably never had an opportunity to come see cowboys, and we want to give the Soldiers an opportunity to see something they probably have never seen before."

"All the events go back to the original roots, which are working cattle ranches, roping, breaking horses, steer wrestling, tying them down so they get branded for the roundup. All the events represent Texas history," he explained.

The traditions, attitudes and even fashion sense of the rodeo are steeped in history and can be traced back to the early 1800s; when riding, roping, wrestling and racing events began as a means to pass the time.

Despite humble origins, those same competitions have evolved into show-stopping displays of might, determination and sheer grit that thrill rodeo aficionados.

The audience watched with anticipation as riders steadied horses that nervously stirred within the tight confines of their chutes.

Once astride and securely tethered, the competitors bore down as the chutes opened and the animals bolted out of the enclosure, bucking and kicking as riders fought to hang on.

As the horses were corralled back into their stables, their fluffy counterparts took to the field for the Mutton Bustin' event. One by one, brave youngsters clung to the backs of the mutton, or sheep, before quickly falling into the muddy mess below to the delight of onlookers.

The event was sheer entertainment and worth the $17 cost of admission, conveyed Laukhuf, who noted that Soldiers and their families were admitted free.

"This affords an opportunity to give back and say thank you to our troops because we don't say thank you enough."

City of Killeen Mayor Debbie Nash-King agreed.

"It's our way of giving back to our military Soldiers and their family members and saying, 'Thank you for protecting this great nation because without you, we would not be able to host these marvelous events,'" she said.

Avid rodeo fan Spc. Zachary Patterson, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, attended with his wife, Christina, and daughter, Karlee, and was most looking forward to the bull riding event.

He shared he appreciated the special night for military families and was thankful for a moment to unwind doing what he loves.

"You get to relax and forget about everything else for a little bit," he said. "… It shows the support of the local community and everybody else."

Laukhuf conveyed the collaboration between Rodeo Killeen, Fort Cavazos and the city of Killeen continues to keep Soldiers and military families at the forefront and create opportunities to show them just how important they are.

"When you think of Killeen, you think of Fort Cavazos, they are intertwined," he said. "And anything that we can do to say thank you and to support the mission of Fort Cavazos and the city of Killeen is why we're here. And we'll give you a little something in the dirt, too."

The rodeo may be over, but Fort Cavazos and Killeen residents are encouraged to come out and enjoy the Killeen Rodeo Carnival starting today and running through June 2.

For more information about Rodeo Killeen, visit rodeotexas.org.

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