LIBERTY AND LOYALTY FOUNDATION EVENTS
OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE BACK
BATTLE OF THE BRANCHES TEAM ROPING
Presented by the Liberty and Loyalty Foundation
The Battle of the Branches is a patriotic team roping event that brings together the western community to honor and support America’s military members, first responders, and their families. The event dates will be released soon and will take place at Park Your Pony Arena and will feature $47,250 in added money plus prizes across multiple roping divisions.
One of the highlights is the #10.5 Slide, a special division limited to teams representing military and first responder branches; including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Law Enforcement, and Fire/EMS. Teams must rope with a partner from the same branch, creating a true battle of the branches inside the arena. Competitors may represent multiple branches if they qualify.
Additional roping divisions include #13.5, #12.5, #10.5, #9.5 (40 & Over), and #8.5, offering opportunities for a wide range of competitors to participate.
The week also kicks off with a team roping clinic April 15–16 led by professional ropers Charly Crawford and Trey Johnson, giving participants the chance to sharpen their skills before the main event.
Saturday evening will feature live music from the Clayton Lawson Band, a live auction, and free admission for spectators, making it a fun, family-friendly celebration of the western lifestyle and those who serve our country.
More than just a roping, the Battle of the Branches is a chance for the rodeo community to come together, compete, and give back to the men and women who protect and serve our nation.
Thank you to our incredible sponsors: Hard Eight BBQ, Stephenville Rodeo, Signature Equine, Barnett Angus Ranches, Crossfire Trailer Services, Hard Way Land & Livestock, The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, EquiNew, Chris Smith Construction, Twilight Metalworks
UNITED WE BRAND
National Finals Rodeo header Charly Crawford, along with the foundations board of directors, continue to work hard to expand their outreach and offer new opportunities for servicemen and women. The first United We Brand event was held on Sunday, May 22, 2022.
“Branding is a community event for a lot of ranchers,” Crawford explained. “We have a community of service people that love the Western way of life so we wanted them to have more chances to experience it in an authentic way. We found local ranchers and started planning a day to work cattle.”
“What we see as a result of participating in the branding, teamwork, leadership and camaraderie are all things experienced in the military or as a first responder.” said Bill Force, who has a background in the military as well as law enforcement. “Giving military people an opportunity to have cowboy experiences is a natural fit. I saw that firsthand at the branding and heard many comments from others that were involved. It was a great day and we have a lot of people that can’t wait to do it again.”
AMERICAN HERO CELEBRATION
The Horns N’ Heroes Team Roping Clinic will take place November 2026 at the NRS Arena in Decatur, Texas.
Participant space is limited to eight headers and eight heelers and is open to veterans, retired military, active duty, and first responders. Charly Crawford will be teaching on the heading side with Trey Johnson on the heeling side.
In the days following the clinic, there will be opportunities for veterans, active duty, retired military, and first responders to both rope in and watch that include a high level of professional roping.
Applications for 2026 will open June 1, 2026.
2026 SCHEDULE
JUNE
June 1 – Online applications open to military and first responders.
June 15 – Deadline to submit online application closes June 15 at midnight.
JULY
July 1 – Acceptance letters issued to participants. A deposit of $150 is due at acceptance to hold participant spot. Deposit is fully refunded at clinic check-in.
NOVEMBER
The Horns N’ Heroes Team Roping Clinic will take place November 2026 at the NRS Arena in Decatur, Texas.
Join us for the annual Heroes Gala Saturday, November 2026 at the Decatur Conference Center in Decatur, TX. The gala is fundraising event that plays a vital role in enabling the Liberty & Loyalty Foundation to support local causes, fund scholarships and programming, and provide assistance to non-profit organizations that aid military and first responders. This year’s venue can accommodate up to 400 guests, providing the opportunity to invite more supporters and increase the organization’s fundraising efforts for military service members and first responders.
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with a delightful dinner, exclusive auction items, and an inspiring keynote address.
By attending this event, you will not only have a remarkable experience but also contribute to our mission.
Don’t miss our special Top 15 Military First Responder Back Number Ceremony as finalists are presented their American Hero Celebration Back Number.
NOVEMBER 7 | NRS ARENA
The roping events begin with live coverage by XFactor Roping.
- Open Roping: Open to all ropers, this event attracts participants from across the nation.
- Mil-First/Pro Roping : Come and witness the incredible skills of our Military First Responders and the Pros as they team up and compete in the Mil-First/Pro Roping at NRS Arena.
- Ranch Rodeo: The evening is concluded with an exciting Ranch Rodeo made up of four person teams.
Applications will open June 1. 2026 at 8:00 A.M. Applicants must have a G-Mail account to complete the online google form and submit one of the following forms of identification plus a valid state ID or drivers license:
| NRS ARENA
- Mil/First Roping: Watch as Military/First Responders from across the country come to compete (note this roping is open to ALL Military/First Responders who want to enter). The top 15 from this event are presented back numbers that night during the gala and move on to compete in the short go at the Cowtown Coliseum the next day.
- | COWTOWN COLISEUM
- Don’t miss the Imus Ranch NFR showdown! The events relocate to Cowtown Coliseum in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards for the NFR Showdown on the Cowboy Channel.
- NFR Showdown: The top 15 PRCA teams will come to compete in a special NFR preview ahead of their Las Vegas debut.
- Mil/First Responder Roping Short Go: Don’t miss as our heroes rope under the bright lights in Cowtown and get just a small taste of the appreciation they deserve. Military First Responder Tickets are Free, Courtesy of Imus Ranch, ATAC, Aspire MRO, O’Neills Catering, Quanta Services*
To view all ropings and details for each check out the roping posters below.
*Military First Responder Tickets are free with ticket code, available 2026.
ROPING EVENTS
To download and save the flyers, click the button and save. To enlarge, click the button and double click the image.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: SPONSOR OR VOLUNTEER
We produce multiple events throughout the year, providing numerous opportunities to get involved. We would like to welcome volunteers to join in the production of these life changing events celebrating our hereos. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please complete the form below.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT
