Exciting American Hero Celebration is Rapidly Approaching

The Hillwood Land & Cattle American Hero Celebration, which honors America's military heroes, is coming to Decatur and Fort Worth, Texas Nov. 7-11.

Kade Kistner | Oct 31, 2023

Exciting American Hero Celebration is Rapidly Approaching /

Patriotism goes beyond removing a hat and standing for the National Anthem for Charly Crawford.

The 10-time qualifier for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo team roper is now working to pay back veterans, retired and active service personnel and first responders through the Liberty and Loyalty Foundation. It started when Crawford hosted free team roping clinics for members of the military in 2014.

That has now grown to the Hillwood Land & Cattle American Hero Celebration presented by J.P Morgan Chase. The event, Nov. 7-11 starts with the Horns N Heroes roping clinic at NRS Arena in Decatur, Texas. A competition for those students, an Open Roping, and a roping that pairs today’s top professionals with military and first responders along with a ranch rodeo stray gathering will finish out the Decatur activities Nov. 9 & 10.

The event will move to Fort Worth Friday night for the Heroes Gala will be held at Billy Bob’s 81 club. Admiral Douglas Beal, USN. Ret., will be the featured speaker. There will be a live painting from Streakin B Art that will be part of the live auction. Silent auctions will be held at NRS as well as at the Gala. Funds raised at these activities will be given to charities that support the military and first responders. Past organizations that have benefitted include Building Homes for Heroes and Brotherhood For the Fallen.

The Imus Ranch NFR Showdown in Cowtown Coliseum on Veterans Day will highlight the activities. The top 15 finalists from the Military/first responder roping will be vying for trophy saddles, buckles and a $20,000 paycheck. Additionally, a large percentage of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo team roping contestants will be getting some practice in before their runs for gold buckles in Las Vegas in December.

The pros will also be roping for a $20,000 championship check and will have an opportunity to support the military/first responder participants. The events will end with finalists from the Ranch Rodeo Stray Gathering.

Female rodeo clown, Kinzie Robins, will be entertaining the crowd at the Imus Ranch NFR Showdown in Fort Worth’s Cowtown Coliseum Nov. 11

New this year and to bring more entertainment to the Showdown is Kinzie Robins, rodeo clown. Robins is one of the few (if not only) female rodeo entertainers. Born and raised in Utah, she also competes in team roping and breakaway roping.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be coming to Fort Worth for the American Hero Celebration and the NFR Showdown,” Robins said. “My grandfather was in the army and I have a deep appreciation for all of those that commit to serve and protect. I’m going to interact with the crowd, the participants and do some silly stuff to make sure that everyone at the event has a good time while they are supporting such a great organization.”

Additional sponsors contributing to the success of the American Hero Celebration are Quanta, Signature Equine Hospital, Ariat, Driver Land & Cattle Company; Classic Rope; Douglas Allred Company; Kinetic Vet’ and Javelin.

Tickets are on sale now at www.Libertyandloyaltyfoundation.com.

For more information on the American Hero Celebration, visit Liberty & Loyalty Foundation on Facebook.

Published Oct 31, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner—a driving force in sports journalism. Holding the helm as publisher for Sports Illustrated's acclaimed feature, Rodeo Daily, Kade is a seasoned alumnus of Tulane University. His academic journey culminated in a 2017 graduation, marked by a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Following his academic pursuits, Kade embarked on a distinctive path. He answered the call of duty, joining the ranks of the United States Navy. Guided by his aspirations, he honed his skills at Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, ultimately achieving the esteemed position of Naval Aviator. His base of operations was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida—a testament to his dedication and service. Amidst his academic achievements and military commitment, Kade found himself drawn to the world of sports coverage. His byline graced the pages of prestigious platforms such as USA Today, SB Nation, and the revered Sports Illustrated. Within these domains, he tackled the intricate worlds of MLB and NFL, unfurling their stories with a discerning eye. From capturing the essence of the New Orleans Saints to unraveling the narratives of the Texas Rangers, Kade's journalistic prowess shone through. His writing translated the raw data of the sports world into compelling narratives that resonated with readers far and wide. With the turning of seasons, Kade embraced new horizons. He introduced Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs—an endeavor that unveiled the inner workings of these iconic teams. Kade's knack for storytelling transformed team dynamics and player stories into engaging content for avid fans. Engage with Kade on Twitter, where his handle, @KadeKistner, serves as an open invitation to join the conversation. For inquiries or correspondence, he can be reached at kwkistner@gmail.com. Kade Kistner's journey through the multifaceted world of sports and journalism continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark along the way.