Rodeo stars round up support for deployed troops

Photo By Spc. Jessica Haney | Left to right: Natalie Johnson, Ms. Wrangler National Patriot; Kaycee Feild, Collegiate World Champion for bareback riding; Robi Powers, director for The Warrior Tours; Jeff Chadwick, director of Wrangler National Patriot tour; and Anne Bianco-Ellett, Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association World Champion, conduct a shout-out to Task Force Marne Families and friends at Fort Stewart during a meet and greet at Division Headquarters, Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, June 2. "The number one reason is we want to thank our troops, military service members, for the service they give to our country," said Chadwick. "We want all our service members to know how much we appreciate them."  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, IRAQ

06.03.2010

Story by Spc. Jessica Haney 

135th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – Members of The Wrangler National Patriot tour made a stop at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, to thank service members for their time and dedication, June 2.

"The number one reason is we want to thank our troops, military service members, for the service they give to our country," said Jeff Chadwick, director of Wrangler National Patriot tour. "We want all our service members to know how much we appreciate them."

The members of the tour held two meet and greet sessions; one at Task Force Marne Headquarters and the other at North Dining Facility to provide autographs, photo opportunities and to thank service members for their service.

In order to better show appreciation and gratitude, Wrangler has put a program in place to raise money for fallen service members' Families and wounded warriors by selling clothing called the National Patriot line.

"The Wrangler brand made a commitment to make this shirt and this program a fundraiser for our wounded and fallen service members," said Chadwick. "Anytime we sell the logo on our shirts, caps, bandanas, a very large portion of the proceeds go into that fund to take care of our service members who served our country."

Rodeos across the U.S. will hold National Patriot performances as a salute to the military. Audience members will be encouraged to purchase and wear National Patriot clothing during the event.

The National Patriot tour's goal is to support and recognize the sacrifices of the military.

"This trip has been so special for all of us," said Chadwick. "To be able to spend time with our service members out on the small [forward operating bases]; to put your boots in the sandbox with them; to see what they do for our country every day and the dedication they have; to be able to get to know them has been incredible."

For stars and performers who visit COB Speicher, it's always a special time and Soldiers feel the same.

"Having events brought here can help you get through the deployment," said Sgt. Josuan Rodriguez, a training non-commissioned officer for 3rd Signal Company, Division Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. "It lets you know that you are fighting for a good cause and people support you, and [it] relieves stress."

• Date Taken: 06.03.2010
• Date Posted: 06.04.2010 10:44
• Story ID: 50847
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, IQ