ProRodeo Sports News -- May 24, 2024

PRORODEO CONTRACT PERSONNEL

Greg Simas: A Veteran’s Perspective from the Rodeo Arena Patriotic Photo courtesy Greg Simas Greg Simas earned two Good Conduct Medals and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal among various other awards and medals.

BY KELSI OPAT, Special to ProRodeo Sports News H earing the National Anthem performed at a rodeo is a beautiful and uniquely American experience. The audience stands to honor the flag, as rodeo athletes and entertainers in cowboy hats and boots peer through the dusty arena to see that the flag is, indeed, still there. For Greg Simas, a United States Marine Corps veteran turned PRORODEO announcer, this scene combines his passion and profession. This Memorial Day, while Americans honor the fallen, Simas takes time to reflect on the intersection of his service to his country and his love for

rodeo. “The one opportunity I get to try to (express my patriotism) is the opening of my rodeos,” said Simas, who also declared he would wear his military uniform in the announcer stand if it still fit. “That’s my one chance to let those in attendance hear what I’m feeling.” Simas’ military and rodeo backgrounds are intertwined. His path to rodeo announcing began at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where he rode bulls in a practice pen outside the base. After attending the Marines’ Security Forces Academy, Simas was stationed in Annapolis, Md., where he led security at the Naval Academy. He began spending time with a group of bull riders he met at a local

ProRodeo Sports News 5/24/2024

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