Laughlin members volunteer to ensure event runs smoothly

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Blake Mize
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Many Laughlin members will volunteer their time May 7 and 8 to ensure the premier bull riding event in southwest Texas runs smoothly.

The George Paul Memorial Bull Riding competition will be held at the Val Verde County Fairgrounds this weekend.

"More than 40 professional bull riders from Championship Bull Riding will compete for thousands of dollars and one of the most prestigious titles a bull rider can win," said John Ludlum, event organizer.

The event begins Saturday, May 7, which has been designated as Laughlin Night at the competition, at 7 p.m. and Sunday's competition will begin at 3 p.m.

"The event will last approximately 2 and a half hours and it is anticipated that at least three world champions will be in the field of elite bull riders," Ludlum said.

Ludlum said that Laughlin members routinely volunteer their time for the annual event, so in appreciation, event coordinators are offering tickets at a reduced price for Laughlin Night to anyone who works at Laughlin.

"Reserve ticket prices for Saturday night are $25. However, for all Laughlin personnel, the price is $20," he said. "And if 9 tickets are purchased, the 10th is free."

The event is an example of the many activities that are available in the Del Rio community that Laughlin's Airmen may have not ever been exposed to. Colonel Michael Frankel, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, said he highly encourages anyone who has not ever been to a rodeo-style event to take a few hours and experience this one.

"Del Rio may not be a big city on the scale of San Antonio or Austin, but in my opinion, it offers just as many interesting things to do," he said. "They just have to be sought out and when opportunities like this fantastic event come along, they should be taken advantage of."

Colonel Frankel is the honored guest of the event and will participate in it himself. He will also accept a gift on behalf of the wing as a token of appreciation to military members and the sacrifices they make.