Air Force partners with Professional Bull Riders

Published May 23, 2008
By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey
Air Force Recruiting Service

RANDOLPH AFB, Texas -- The Air Force busted out of the gate as the official armed services branch of the Professional Bull Riders Inc. May 17 with the first competition of the season at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Marking the special event, special operations Airmen from the 342nd Training Squadron, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, repelled from the rafters, showing fans one of the many ways the Air Force is "above all." Also, 20 local Delayed Enlistment Program recruits publicly affirmed their dedication to becoming Airmen with a swearing in ceremony officiated by Gen. William R. Looney III, Air Education and Training Command commander.

"The Air Force is extremely excited about being an official sponsor for the Professional Bull Riders," said Capt. Homero Martinez, Air Force Recruiting Service event marketing chief. "Both organizations represent hard work, dedication and the discipline necessary to get the job done right. We are proud to be associated with these outstanding athletes."

Earlier in the week, students at Medina Valley High School in Castroville, Texas, benefited from the Air Force and PBR partnership with a visit from PBR rider and local Air Force recruiter Staff Sgt. William Turner. Bull riders Adriano Moraes from Cachoeira Paulista SP, Brazil, and McKennon Wimberly from Cool, Texas, signed autographs for more than 200 students and faculty members May 14 as PBR's official mascot, Buckshot, entertained the crowd as only a tame 2,000pound spokesbull can.

"This was a great opportunity to create Air Force awareness for the students at Medina Valley High," said Sergeant Turner of the 341st Recruiting Squadron. "They were very surprised to hear that the Air Force is one of the sponsors of the PBR, and they loved Buckshot."

PBR sponsorship garners the Air Force advertising at PBR events and on the PBR Web site, in addition to various media opportunities and school visits, providing the Air Force the chance to share information and job opportunities with millions of fans.

"The PBR is proud to have the U.S. Air Force as a corporate partner," shared Sean Gleason, PBR chief marketing officer in a recent press release. "Our fans are uniquely connected to the American spirit, and incorporating the Air force in PBR's events and broadcasts is a seamless and natural fit. We're looking forward to working with the Air Force to help them achieve their recruitment and outreach initiatives."

Next up, the Air Force is the title sponsor of the PBR competition in Glendale, Ariz., Aug. 1-2. For more information about PBR events, visit www.pbrnow.com. For more information about the Air Force, visit www.airforce.com. (Tech. Sgt. Louis Becerra, 341st RCS contributed to this article.)