BRIAN BOLICK

In early 2021 I started trying to learn how to team rope. I was doing it on my own and it was not working at all. I was nearing the end of my law enforcement career and I was a 10 year veteran of the US Army reserves. I was on the interweb one day and saw a post by Charly Crawford about the American Military Celebration and the free roping clinic for veterans and first responders. Being both I figured what the hell let’s put in and see what happens. Teaching myself how to rope wasn’t working. As fate would have it I was selected and made the trip from NC the NRS in Decatur Texas. Little did I know what that week would end up doing for me and my family. It brought me into a world that has become a part of my life. I met some guys that week that have become my friends and brothers for life. It built a comradery just like the one from serving as a soldier and a cop that I didn’t think existed outside of those roles. It wasn’t even about the clinic the military roping or the pro am that we competed in it was the bond that was built with guys from the same background and a love for the sport of team roping. Since that year I have not missed and event. My family has come back every year just to see the people and friends from that first year and to meet new guys and gals that were selected to attend clinic. This organization gave me a purpose outside of policing and it helped me hang in there and make it to retirement. I was fortunate enough to be on Charlys podcast last year. I told my story even though I didn’t think anybody wanted to hear about me. I’m no different than the others who have gone on before me. But this past year at the clinic I was approached by a young man who told me that he heard my story and that motivated him to put in for the clinic. He did and was accepted. He found me at the clinic and told me about hearing my story and going for it. His words to me were if Brian can do it then hell I can and he did. That in and of itself made it all worth while. Since retirement i have moved to Stephenville TX and continue to help Charly and the organization in any way I can.

Brian Bolick