2022 NFR Daily Sheet Wrap-Up

NFRMILITARYHONORSPRESENTEDBY TON I GHT , WE HONOR A FORMER PRCA CARD MEMBER WHO I S ALSO A V I ETNAM WAR PURPLE H EART REC I P I ENT

Paul Bowers, Sr. is a former card-carrying Professional Rodeo CowboysAssociation cowboywho rode bulls and bareback. He also served in theVietnamWar and hasmade his Seminole tribe proud throughout his life. Some 50years after hismilitary service, and decades after he activelycompeted in PRCAevents, Bowers, Sr. is still involved in rodeo. Bowers, Sr. assistsTroyWeekleywith the popular and successful SoutheasternCircuit Finals inDavie, Florida, and his son, Paul Bowers, Jr., is a PRCAstock contractor. Tonight’s inclusion in theNFRMilitaryHonors presented by Boot Barnwas completelyunexpected for Bowers, Sr., kind of like when a bucking bull goes right, evenwhen his tendencies are to turn left. “I appreciate it a lot, but I had no idea thiswould happen,” says Bowers, Sr. “During the ceremony, Iwill be thinking about all of the peoplewho I servedwith, what I served for, our freedom, and a lot more. It is verynice that people care aboutme and other veterans.” Bowers, Sr. was a corporal in theU.S. MarineCorps, but his fellowsoldiers in the elds and jungles ofVietnam just called him ‘Chief’ for his braveryand leadership. His rst introduction to the battle…eldwas horri…c andwas a de…ningmoment for him in manyways. “The rst timewewere out in the bush, wewent up onwhat theycalled a rock pile on amountain,” says Bowers, Sr. “They were shootingM50mortars at us and themachine gunnerswere wiped out right there in front ofme. I didn't knowwhat to think or do, but one ofmycommanding o¤cers said, ‘Hey, just pick up the gun and go.’ I picked up amachine gun and I used thatmachine gun for the entire time Iwas there.”

EACH NIGHT, WE SPOTLIGHT HONOREESWHO HAVE GONE ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY IN DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES AND ARENAS.

Dec. 1 VEGAS NFR ICON - Trevor Brazile Trevor Brazile, the all-time PRCAWorld Champion leader with 26 gold buckles, earns the rst of three icon awards in 2022 and his banner is raised to the Thomas & Mack Center rafters.

Dec. 2 VEGAS NFR ICON - Charmayne James & NFR MILITARY HONORS PRESENTED BY BOOT BARN - John C. Cole Charmayne James, the 11-time Barrel Racing World Champion, is the second of three Vegas NFR Icon honorees as her banner is placed in the arena rafters. Plus, World War II and Korean War hero John C. Cole is honored.

Dec. 3 VEGAS NFR ICON - Ty Murray & ROUGHSTOCK AWARDS Bull-riding legend and 9-time PRCAWorld Champion Ty Murray is the third 2022 NFR Icon Award winner and his banner is raised to the Thomas & Mack Center rafters. Also, the top NFR roughstock is recognized for the role they play.

Dec. 4 MEMORIAL NIGHT & NFR MILITARY HONORS PRESENTED BY BOOT BARN - Gary Littrell We pause to remember our fallen soldiers and heroes, while also honoring Command Sergeant Major Gary Littrell, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.

Dec. 5 EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS A strong team is the reason why the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is so successful in front of and behind the scenes. Meet the best-of-the-best NFR team members during this special ceremony.