ProRodeo Sports News - May 28, 2021

PRORODEO HOLIDAY

Memorial Day brings convergence of family, rodeo & patriotism Time to Reflect James Phifer photo Benjamin F. Bendele III, left, who served in the U.S. Navy reserve, works with his son, Benje, doing sound production at the Parker County Pro Rodeo in Weatherford, Texas, in 1998. The Bendeles continue to work in rodeo and understand the importance of Memorial Day.

BY KEVIN CARMODY Special to ProRodeo Sports News H is grandfather, Benjamin F. Bendele Jr., served in the U.S. Army and saw action inWorldWar II. His dad, Benjamin F. Bendele III, joined the U.S. Navy reserve in the late 1960s.

and patriotism. It just wasn’t the military. “We were a tight-knit family, and it was instilled in us that we were living in a country where we’re born free and to respect the freedoms that many lives were lost for,” said Benje, 53, a ProRodeo announcer-turned-sound producer since 1995. “I was taught to respect the flag and soldiers, but I didn’t have any desire to follow in those footsteps. And my father never

So, it seemed like a perfect fit for Benjamin F. Bendele IV, aka Benje, to continue that family tradition. True, he answered a call to service that is steeped in family, tradition

pushed me to do anything I didn’t want to do.” That freedom to choose has a more resonant ring on Memorial Day

ProRodeo Sports News 5/28/2021

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