Laughlin hosts bull riding competitors on base tour

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Laughlin hosted Richard "Tuff" Hedeman, a three-time World Champion bull rider, and five other top-ranked professional riders who competed in the 35th annual George Paul Memorial Bull Riding event, on a base tour April 27.

During the tour, the group viewed a military working dog demonstration, visited the flight line, toured Anderson Hall and flew in T-38C Talon simulators, all of which offered the riders a firsthand look at Laughlin's mission of training world class pilots, deploying mission-ready Airmen and developing professional, disciplined leaders.

In addition to the competitors, FOX Sports cameramen recorded the trip for a FOX Sports Network championship bull riding broadcast scheduled to air July 22, offering millions more a chance to see Laughlin in action.

"Hosting the media and bull riders participating in an event that has always been supportive of the base was a wonderful opportunity to thank our community partners and show the hard work and dedication of Team XL," said Col. Tom Murphy, 47th Flying Training Wing commander.

After the tour, the riders settled in at Club XL for a game of pool where the riders commented that they enjoyed and appreciated the chance to see the base and meet the men and women who work here.

"Today was really cool and we saw a lot of things very different from our own business," said Jeffery Tate Harris, visiting bull rider. "We don't get to do stuff like you and seeing those differences was fun."