Charly Crawford’s Liberty & Loyalty Foundation celebrates faith, country, and the western way of life through roping, rodeo, and true appreciation and giving back to military and first responders.
The 2025 American Hero Celebration, hosted by the Liberty & Loyalty Foundation, wrapped up this past week in Fort Worth, Texas.
Events throughout the week included the Horns N’ Heroes Clinic with Crawford himself, open ropings, a Mil-First/Pro Roping pairing of top professional ropers with first responders and service members, and a Ranch Rodeo that showcased true cowboy skills and teamwork. The Mil/First Roping gave active and retired heroes the chance to compete themselves, with the top 15 earning back numbers during the gala before advancing to the short round.
In the Military Pro-Am Header Champion, Tyler Brown, the Oklahoma police officer headed steers for professional Tyson Thompson and they came out on top. James Arviso & Ross Ashford won the open roping and $10,000 each with a 34.27 on 5 steers. The Pro-Am Heeler champion team was Brayden Schmidt & Travis Beck.
On Saturday, November 9, Cowtown Coliseum held the NFR Showdown, where the top 15 PRCA teams roped in a special pre-Vegas competition. The Mil/First Responder Roping Short Round then took place where America’s heroes roped for big prize money.
In the NFR Showdown, Tyler Tryan and Jake Long came out the champs taking home $20,000. The biggest event of the week, the Mil/First Responder Roping Championship went to Tod Dillingham and Jay Mullens taking home $30,000.
The event was a vision of Charly Crawford, a 10-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier and the son of a Marine. Crawford founded the Liberty & Loyalty Foundation out of a calling to merge his passion for roping with his deep respect for those who serve our country. What began as small “thank you” roping clinics at his home in 2014 has evolved into one of rodeo’s most meaningful celebrations of service and sacrifice.
With the help of his family, close friends, and a strong faith in God, Crawford continues to grow the foundation. It’s all about giving back to the heroes who make the western way of life possible.
Since its inception, the Liberty & Loyalty Foundation has raised over $1.15 million for nonprofit organizations that support military members and first responders, in addition to direct funds and awards given to heroes and their families.
The foundation now proudly hosts two major annual events, each designed to bring together the world of team roping in much gratitude. In the spring, United We Brand celebrates patriotism and the western lifestyle, while each November, the American Hero Celebration combines the best in the roping world with heartfelt appreciation for what matters most.
As we reflect on this week’s events and everyone who took part in the 2025 edition of the American Hero Celebration, we also pause to thank those who serve our country; our veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders. Their courage and sacrifice make this lifestyle possible. And a special thanks goes to Charly Crawford, whose vision, passion, and dedication have created a platform to honor these heroes, raise funds, and bring the rodeo community together to recognize our freedom.
For more information and to support the Liberty and Loyalty Foundation visit:
