Photo By Alexandra Shea | Cadence Schaffer of Peyton didn’t let a little rain or stage fright keep her from...... read more read more
By Alexandra Flodin
Mountaineer staff
COLORADO SPRINGS — With Pikes Peak as the backdrop of the Norris-Penrose Event Center, past and present Fort Carson Soldiers and their Families were recognized for their dedication and service to the nation. The 77th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo continued a long-standing tradition of celebrating military heritage as past and future Soldiers took center stage prior to seat-gripping rodeo action July 12.
Since 1946 the partnership between the military community of Colorado Springs and the rodeo has been built on heritage and respect. Some of the proceeds of the rodeo are donated to various Colorado Springs military and community charities to include Fort Carson programs that directly benefit Soldiers and their Family members.
Opening night of the rodeo was Fort Carson Night as more than 50 athletes competed for the top scores and the chance to advance to qualifying rounds in eight events.
“I want to give another shout out to the 60 young men and women who have dedicated themselves to the Army and the armed services of our country,” Maj. Gen. Ryan F. Gonsalves, commanding general, 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson, said during opening ceremonies at the rodeo’s opening night.
The men and women the general was referring to marched onto the arena floor where they raised their right hands to recite the Oath of Enlistment that was rendered by Col. David M. Hodne, deputy commander, 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson. The recruits received a roaring round of applause from the crowd and then were invited to the stands to enjoy the rodeo with families and friends.
“We are one song away from the 77th Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo,” said Gonsalves. “Let’s rodeo.”
Sgt. 1st Class Jody J. Manford of the 4th Infantry Division Band sang the national anthem as the 4th Infantry Division and Fort Carson Mounted Color Guard displayed the nation’s colors on horseback while wearing reproduction uniforms to help lead the rodeo’s opening ceremonies.
Rain didn’t slow down the action as eight bareback horse riders took to the arena floor as they contended for the best scores in hopes of moving into the next qualifying round. The event also featured steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc, tie down roping, barrel racing, bull riding and the evening’s youngest competitors in mutton bustin.’
American freestyle bullfighting, where man meets beast … or beef, ended the evening’s rodeo. The fighters ran, jumped, twisted, turned and flipped around bulls across the arena for points before ending the match by climbing the arena fencing, leaving fans cheering for more.
“I want to say thank you to the entire Front Range community on behalf of the entire division for the dedication, the love and everything that you do for our Soldiers and their Families,” said Gonsalves.
| Date Taken: | 07.12.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.22.2017 12:25 |
| Story ID: | 260051 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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