History of PAFRA
What started out as a conversation between four friends in Eastern New Mexico and West Texas is now a premier rodeo association that caters to the military cowboy and cowgirl. In 2000, three Air Force Master Sergeants and a retired Army Sergeant Major wanted to organize a military rodeo association that would closely adhere to the same professional qualities they had grown accustomed to in the United States Military. Their vision was for a world-wide organization that would co-sanction other established rodeo associations, thus, allowing its members to earn points to qualify for an all-military world finals rodeo. Foremost in their thoughts was the ideal that no member would be left behind. In addition, a board of elected officials would work to gain sponsorships for top prize money and year-end awards that were competitive with any other top-quality rodeo association.
The response to their pioneering vision was almost overwhelming. At the end of that same year, the first world finals were held in Clovis, New Mexico. Military cowboys and cowgirls came from all over the United States to participate. A contingent of bull riders and steer wrestlers, while serving remote assignments to Korea, even flew back to the United States to participate in the world finals. Despite the vast successes of the first year, it was understandable when the following year’s finals were cancelled due to the tragedies that occurred on September 11, 2001. Instead of focusing on rodeo, many of PAFRA’s professional soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines were deployed around the world in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terror. Then, in 2002, hard work coupled with a determination to return to normalcy allowed PAFRA to finish a very successful year. The town of Bandera, Texas, hosted the world finals. A large group of military cowboys and cowgirls from Germany even flew-in to compete in several of the events. During these finals, the competition was electrifying! Those spectacular performances were punctuated with an awards banquet that was particularly emotional. That year, the world finals were dedicated to those, who because of their military service and ultimate sacrifice, were unable to attend. As world events unfolded, PAFRA again suffered in 2003 when its military members were called to duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, continuing missions in Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa.
Despite these necessary setbacks and temporary reductions in membership, PAFRA has slowly grown into the premier global military rodeo association. PAFRA members have been fostering a global community for rodeo participants who share a connection to the United States Military. As a result of this, PAFRA has been creating its own traditions. Since 2005, the PAFRA World Finals Rodeo has been, appropriately, held over Veteran’s Day weekend in Fort Worth, Texas, at the Cowtown Coliseum. The Cowtown Coliseum served as the perfect backdrop and is located in the heart of the richly historic Fort Worth Stockyards. In 2010 the world finals was held at Glen Rose, TX 18-21 Nov, and was the first all Military world finals rodeo.
This was the original logo white back ground represents the sovereignty of the United States and the black lettering is in remembrance of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
In 2009 this became PAFRA's "Official" logo.
Created and donated to PAFRA by Ismael R. Razo, SSgt, USAF.
Thanks to Chris Taylor of Custom Planet for designing this un-official logo.
Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Association
"for the love of rodeo and country"
This page was last updated on: 11 May, 2011
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