Wrangler Team Salutes Service Members on Memorial Day
Department of Defense Europe – For the 9th year, Wrangler Cowboys and Cowgirls are headed overseas to thank our U.S. Armed Forces Members and their coalition partners during Memorial Day Week.
The annual Armed Forces Entertainment Wrangler National Patriot Tour is scheduled to kick off in southern Turkey this week and continue onward with stops in Germany and Romania before returning to the United Sates in early June.
“We’ve traveled nearly a million miles collectively as special guests of the Department of Defense over the years, but we’ve never had the opportunity to visit our Troops deployed to Turkey, Germany or Romania,” says Jeff Chadwick, a director with the Wrangler Corporation, who has journeyed out on all 9 Memorial Day tours to date.
With a theme of ‘Saluting and Honoring the Service and Sacrifice’, Wrangler Cowgirls: Annie Ellett, Trisha Shields, Jenna Smeenk and Brittney Truman will be joined by Wrangler Artists Lucas Hoge, Haydn Vitera and Austin Wahlert and Wrangler Director Jeff Chadwick.
With Cactus Ropes in hand and RopeSmart products to catch, the Wrangler team will be teaching roping techniques for fun to all who want to learn during the daylight hours, while Lucas Hoge, Haydn Vitera and Austin Wahlert bring it home Americana style with live musical performances at night.
“Everything this Wrangler team does each year is based on one simple heartfelt message – Thank You!”
“It’s our way of showing appreciation on behalf of the entire western lifestyle community” says Chadwick, “there’s just never a question of America Loves You, when this team steps into an area of operation… and the team has even learned to hang onto their Cowboy Hat’s around the helicopters over the years.” he adds with a laugh.
New this year, former professional bull rider turned musician Austin Wahlert, will be joining forces with barrel racer Jenna Smeenk in posting updates throughout the tour via the Wrangler Network.
“Who knows where or what we’ll be sharing, but we promise to keep the focus on the true stars – our military members.” says Smeenk, who is a veteran of two combat deployments with our Air Force Special Operations Command.
For those of in the military Memorial Day is everyday, says Colonel John Bates, USMC ret. who hosts the trip each year with american300.org’s Robi Powers. “To see the commitment that Jeff and the Wrangler endorsees have made to saluting our military during this hollowed week in May is just outstanding.” says Bates.