There’s something sacred about the rodeo arena — the sound of hooves, the scent of dust, the crowd’s roar rising as another cowboy nods for the gate. But for one group of competitors, the ride means even more than a buckle or a banner.
It’s about finding redemption through the rust of service, sacrifice, and second chances.
PAFRA — the Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Association — where rodeo and military service come together in a powerful story of grit, grace, and brotherhood.
What Is PAFRA?
The Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Association (PAFRA) is a national nonprofit organization made up of active-duty service members, veterans, reservists, retirees, and their families who share one thing in common — a love for the sport of rodeo and a heart for service.
Through its events, PAFRA gives America’s warriors a new kind of mission:
to compete, to heal, and to lead through the values that define both soldier and cowboy — courage, honor, humility, and faith.
From team roping and bull riding to barrel racing and breakaway, every event is packed with competition, camaraderie, and purpose. But what truly sets PAFRA apart is that every ride, every loop, every eight-second hold stands for something bigger — a community built on service and resilience.
The PAFRA World Championship Rodeo
The highlight of the year is the PAFRA World Championship Rodeo, a three-day celebration of skill, spirit, and service.
For 2025, the championship will be held October 23–25 at the Curry County Events Center in Clovis, New Mexico.
Competitors from across the U.S. — and sometimes even allied nations — will gather to represent their branch, their family, and their faith in a showcase of courage that’s pure Americana.
Whether you’re in the stands cheering or behind the chutes preparing to ride, the energy is the same: patriotism, purpose, and pride.
Rust and Redemption: Why This Matters
At Rust & Redemption, we believe in honoring those who’ve served and celebrating the stories that shape our freedom.
PAFRA isn’t just a rodeo — it’s proof that the same spirit that defends our country also thrives in the arena.
-
The Rust: Life after service can be tough. The transition is real — the weight of duty can leave marks that run deep.
-
The Redemption: PAFRA helps veterans rediscover their purpose, reconnect with their community, and find healing in the dust and adrenaline of the rodeo.
It’s about finding a new mission, a new family, and a reminder that the cowboy way and the warrior’s code aren’t so different after all.
How to Get Involved
If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or rodeo enthusiast looking to get involved, PAFRA welcomes you. You can:
🤠 Join the Association:
Become a competing or supporting member at www.rodeopafra.com
🎟️ Attend an Event:
Make plans to be in Clovis, NM – October 23–25, 2025 for the World Championship Rodeo. Bring your family, your flag, and your cowboy spirit.
💖 Support the Mission:
Sponsor an event, donate to veteran-oriented programs, or volunteer. Every contribution helps PAFRA continue its mission of serving through sport.
📬 Connect Directly:
Reach out via PAFRA’s official contact page at rodeopafra.com/contact or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @rodeopafra for updates, highlights, and stories from the road.
A Final Word from Rust & Redemption
In a world that moves fast and forgets easy, PAFRA reminds us that the old-fashioned values of courage, community, and country still matter.
It’s where calloused hands meet brave hearts — and where the dust settles into something sacred.
So here’s to the men and women who serve twice — once for their country and again in the rodeo arena.
From all of us at Rust & Redemption, thank you for your service, your strength, and your story.
