Warriors And Rodeo

Among the dust and fallen rubble of Ground Zero and the Pentagon, nearly 300 search and rescue dogs worked tirelessly alongside first responders, searching through heat and toxic fumes for survivors and bringing closure to grieving families.

We will Never Forget. Patriot Day 9/11. We also never will forget the sacrifices of those who joined the military after 9/11. We have numerous members who joined the military, law enforcement, EMS, and firefighters in response to the terrorist attacks. Thank you for your sacrifices.

Graphics by Lance Cpl. Valerie Escobar

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the four coordinated attacks against the United States, claiming the lives of almost 3,000 people.
Graphics by Lance Cpl. Matthew Benfield

Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry render honors as fire fighters and rescue workers unfurl a huge American flag over the side of the Pentagon as rescue and recovery efforts continued following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack. The flag, a garrison flag, sent from the US Army Band at nearby Fort Myer, Virginia, is the largest authorized (20 x 38) flag for the military. Shortly after 8 AM on September 11, 2001 five members of Al-Qaida, a group of fundamentalist Islamic Muslims, hijacked American Airlines Flight 77, a Boeing 757-200, from Dulles International Airport just outside Washington DC. About 9:30 AM they flew the aircraft and 64 passengers into the side of the Pentagon. The impact destroyed or damaged four of the five "rings" in that section that circle the building. That section of the Pentagon was in the finishing stages of a renovation program to re-enforce and update the building. Fire fighters fought the fire through the night. The Pentagon attack followed a similar attack, two hijacked passenger planes flown into the twin towers of the New York World Trade Center, on the same day, in what is being called the worst terrorist attack in history.

Scene Camera Operator: PH1 Michael Pendergrass, USN
This item was produced or created on September 12, 2001.

#911 #9/11

Don't miss this incredible event held at Pale Horse Ranch Sept 11-13. If you are a WAR member we'd love to have you represent our organization at numerous events at this ranch. Contact us via messenger to discuss details!

HONORING FEDERAL WILDLIFE OFFICER DAVID TAYLOR

Warriors and Rodeo is truly at a loss for words following the loss of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Wildlife Officer David Taylor, 38, of Scio, Oregon.

David is believed to have lost his life on August 29, 2026, while helping evacuate residents threatened by the Railroad South Fire in Comanche County, Oklahoma, near Indiahoma.

As the fast-moving wildfire threatened homes and families, David was working alongside local emergency crews, going door to door to help residents evacuate and reach safety.

His last contact with dispatch came while he was helping a family evacuate their home.

Evidence recovered from a structure where David was working to help a resident escape indicates that he died during the evacuation effort. Formal identification remains pending with the medical examiner.

What is known about David's actions reflects extraordinary courage, selflessness and devotion to duty.

When people were in danger, David went toward them.

A LIFE OF SERVICE

David Taylor dedicated his life to serving others.

Before becoming a federal wildlife officer, David served on active duty in the United States Navy. He continued his military service in the Navy Reserve, ultimately serving as a Senior Chief Petty Officer.

During his approximately 20 years of Navy service, David completed five deployments — one to Iraq and four to Djibouti, Africa.

His commitment to service did not end when he left active duty.

David continued serving his country through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, protecting wildlife, public lands and the communities around them.

He served at Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge and Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico before coming to Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma.

On August 29, David once again answered the call to protect others.

This time, he was working alongside local emergency crews, helping Oklahoma families escape a rapidly spreading wildfire.

STANDING WITH OUR FISH AND WILDLIFE FAMILY

While we did not have the privilege of knowing David personally, this loss is especially meaningful to Warriors and Rodeo because one of our members is also a National Fish and Wildlife Officer.

Our member, C. Smith, is currently en route to provide support to David's fellow officers and those affected by this tragedy, serving in their role as a Department of the Interior Chaplain.

We are grateful for those who step forward in moments like this to care for the men and women who serve, especially when one of their own makes the ultimate sacrifice.

This is what brotherhood and service are about — standing beside one another when the job becomes difficult, when the loss is overwhelming, and when our fellow warriors need someone there.

HONORING THE SACRIFICE

Governor Kevin Stitt has ordered all American and Oklahoma flags on state property to be flown at half-staff from sunrise Tuesday, September 1, through sunset Friday, September 4, 2026, in honor of Officer Taylor.

Governor Stitt said, “Officer Taylor made the ultimate sacrifice while serving others,” recognizing that David put the safety of Oklahoma families ahead of his own.

David Taylor's final actions demonstrate the very qualities we honor in our military members and first responders:

Courage.
Selflessness.
Service.
Sacrifice.

He served our nation in the Navy.

He continued serving through the Navy Reserve.

He served his community as a federal wildlife officer.

He stood alongside local first responders.

And when families needed help getting out of harm's way,he went toward the danger to help them.

We may not have known David personally, but we know what it means to stand beside those who serve.

Today, Warriors and Rodeo stands with David's family, his Navy brothers and sisters, his fellow Fish and Wildlife officers, the Department of the Interior, C. Smith and all those providing support, and the local first responders who worked alongside David during the Railroad South Fire.

To David's family and everyone who loved him, we are deeply sorry for your loss.

To the men and women who served beside him, we stand with you.

To those responding now to support David's fellow officers and the people affected by this tragedy, thank you for being there when your brothers and sisters need you most.

David Taylor lived a life of service.

And in his final moments, he was doing exactly what he had dedicated his life to doing:

Helping others.

His service mattered.
His courage mattered.
His sacrifice mattered.

He will not be forgotten.

Rest in honor,

Thank you for your service to our nation, your service to your community, and your sacrifice for others.

Until we meet again, brother.

Warriors and Rodeo

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Every donation helps support Warriors and Rodeo missions and programs that give back to the warriors, veterans, and first responders who give so much for others.

Limited Edition
Premium Quality - Gist Silversmiths
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Honor our past. Support our future. Give back to those who will give it all.

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Visit warmissions.org or https://linkup.shop/warriorsandrodeo to order yours today while this fundraiser is in effect!

The Military Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame has officially announced its Class of 2026 inductees!

Join us as we celebrate these three legends of military rodeo:

Jerry Stewart – U.S. Army | All Around
Rocky Hickman – U.S. Marine Corps | All Around
Wiley Fortson – U.S. Navy | Team Roping

Induction Ceremony Details
Where: Osage County Fairgrounds — Pawhuska, OK
When: Friday, October 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Event: Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Association (PAFRA) Finals Rodeo

Founded to recognize active duty, veteran, and civilian contributors to military rodeo—and to provide college scholarships for veteran families—MRCHOF keeps our nation's rich western heritage alive.
Learn more at mrchof.com.

Warriors and Rodeo is proud to have numerous members attending this event this weekend! We'll keep updated on the results!

Serving our country and conquering 2,000 pounds of muscle. 🇺🇸 Prime action snapshot from the Stars And Stripes Stampede last weekend—nothing beats the grit, heart, and dedication of military bull riders.

Eight seconds never looked so tough. Huge respect to everyone who served and stepped into the chute.

Photo Credit: David Landreth