Cory Leone Johnson is an Oklahoma native.  He began playing guitar and writing songs at the age of 14 when his mom surprised him with a used Silvertone classical guitar for his birthday.  His Great Aunt Tiny Carter showed him six chords and he was off. Two weeks into teaching himself a couple of chord progressions and writing two songs he snuck into the back door of a local Honky Tonk he asked the band if he could sit in and play a few songs.  He belted out some Haggard tunes and then when the band went on break he stayed on stage and sang the new songs for the crowd. He says “I was scared to death” but the crowd whistled and clapped and he was hooked.  Cory continued to play and write and played in several bands as a backup singer and acoustic player.  He formed his own band “New Legend” that consisted of some great local players, some who have since moved to Nashville and become of the best road players in the business.  New Legend was an opening act for several major country stars as they came through Oklahoma.  In January 1991 Cory decided to make a move to Nashville to pursue his songwriting where he was taken under the wing of hit writer, singer and producer James Dean Hicks. Cory spent the 90’s learning and performing with some of Nashville’s hit makers.  Cory’s music has brought him to Montanan where he plays 4-5 shows a week and has co-founded The Red Lodge Songwriter Festival that happens the 3^rdweekend of every June.  Cory also volunteers his time and talent to some great veteran’s organizations, Operation Second Chance, Wyo W.E.S.T. Warrior foundation and is joining Sergeant Dana Bowman to the Halo for Freedom Warriors Foundation’s Weekend to Remember that celebrates wounded warriors.  “I’m living a dream out here in the mountains and doing what I love to do. I’m truly blessed.”

Mike Jones, an auctioneer since 1978 has conducted over 3500 public auctions and serves as President of Auctions for United Real Estate Holdings, LLC, where he oversees operations and supports the largest integrated system of real estate and auctioneering professionals.  A life member of the National Auctioneers Association (NAA), he is the first member to serve as President, 1998 International Auctioneering Championship (IAC) and was inducted into the NAA Auctioneer Hall of Fame in 2012.  He has attained the same status in his home state of Texas as a member of the Texas Auctioneers Association (TAA).  He is one of America’s foremost benefit and fundraising auctioneers conducting hundreds of fundraising and benefit auctions raising millions annually for dozens of philanthropic causes.  His expertise includes real estate, industrial assets, equipment oilfield assets, aircraft and marine dealerships and liquidated manufacturing facilities for almost 40 years.  Jones clients include Fortune 100 companies, international banks and the United States government.  Since 1992, Jones has trained over 200 auctioneers as the founder and Director of America’s Auction Academy.  He currently serves as immediate past president of the National Auctioneers foundation (NAF).  Contact Mr. Jones at mjonesauctioneer@gmail.comor 214-906-5265 (cell).

In 2005, Jim Pittenger, aka Biker Jim, was getting tired of repossessing cars for a living and after having stolen upwards of 12,000 cars, decided to fire up his grill and start serving gourmet sausages on a street corner in Denver.  With sausages made from Reindeer, Elk, Rattlesnake and more, Biker Jim’s unique take on street food quickly garnered a lot of attention and was featured in Food and Wine Magazine, Maxim, Details, Forbes, People and the Wall Street Journal. Their first national television appearance was with Anthony Bourdain on “No Reservations”.  Since then, they have been seen on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate”, “Ludo Bites America”, “Unique Eats”, “Food Paradise” , “Bizarre Foods” with Andrew Zimmern, and many others.  From the beginning Biker Jim’s has primarily sourced from old world sausage makers that use non-commercially raised products and avoided meats raised with hormones and antibiotics. With his flagship restaurant and fleet of street carts this fun, crazy menu can satisfy anyone’s cravings whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, smoky, savory or sweet.

First Sergeant Sarah J. Hernandez, originally from Grand Haven, Michigan, joined the Army Music Program as a 42R (trumpet player) in 2000. Her first five years were spent serving in Heidelberg, Germany with the United States Army Europe (USAREUR) Band and Chorus. During this time, Hernandez traveled and performed in over 20 European countries, to include the war-torn countries of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, and Macedonia. Performances included the 60th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France, the Perugia Jazz Festival, and numerous appearances for U.S. and foreign dignitaries to include President George W. Bush and Queen Elizabeth.

Hernandez earned a Bachelor of Music Education, while studying and performing for over ten years with world renowned trumpeter Mr. Philip Smith (Principal Trumpet, New York Philharmonic – RET). In 2007, Hernandez was handpicked through a rigorous and highly-selective audition process, earning a coveted spot with the West Point Band’s Field Music Group – The Hellcats. For eight years, Hernandez performed at some of the largest media outlets in New York City and around the world, to include ABC, NBC, FOX, BBC1, and collaborating with stars of all genres, such as country music artist Trace Adkins. Hernandez also performed for over 1,000 military funerals and memorials. While stationed with the West Point Band, Hernandez performed locally with the New Amsterdam Brass Band, Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, and the Bach-Handel Chamber Orchestra. She also taught private trumpet lessons at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY and volunteered as an ambulance driver with the Highland Falls Ambulance Corps, earning the GOLD President’s Volunteer Service Award.

In 2015, Hernandez PCS’d to Fort Hood, Texas, where she served as the First Cavalry Division Band’s 1SG for 19 months. Due to two low back fusion surgeries in early 2018, Hernandez is currently serving with the First Cavalry Division Staff as the Ready and Resilient (R2C) Program Manager.  She is responsible for the overall planning, developing, coordinating, implementing and promoting of a comprehensive and effective program aimed at the reduction of Soldier high-risk behaviors and increasing resilience in Soldiers and Family Members.

1SG Hernandez is looking forward to retiring in 2020 and continuing to work in a field helping and servicing fellow Veterans.

Diamond Jim works in the BBQ world and loves it. He was a buyer for 2 national chains in the hardware industry for 20 years and was a sales rep selling carpet for 12 years. How exciting can selling carpet be? All you really must know is “put the fuzzy side up”. Recently, he helped launch a new brand and is the sales manager for Griller’s Gold BBQ pellets, which is WAY more fun. Pellet grills are the fastest growing segment in the BBQ industry. Once you have one, you’ll never go back to gas or charcoal again. Jim was born and raised in Manitowoc Wisconsin and is proud to call himself a cheese head. He lived in a small town in North Western PA for 5 years and a suburb of Denver for 3. Grandpa Jimmy is now back in the land of cheese, brats and beer.

An 8-time World Champion Cowboy with 6 All Around World Championships and 2 World Champion Bull Riding Gold Buckles, Larry remains the All Time leading NFR qualifier in the rough stock events. He is a member of various Halls of Fame, including: PRCA, Texas Cowboy, Oklahoma City National Rodeo, Pendleton, Cheyenne, Ellensburg and St. Paul. The PBR Ring of Honor, PRCA Legend of Pro Rodeo and the Ben Johnson Memorial medallion are among the awards lining the office walls. As a lifelong student of the magnificent horse, Larry is committed to sharing his passion and knowledge. Horses are an important aspect of the Mahan ranches. From the hill country of Kerrville, Texas to the North Texas headquarters and Central Oklahoma to the Colorado division nestled at the base of Pike’s Peak, most days will find Larry astride-starting colts, checking broodmares, gathering cattle or working with the seasoned ropers and cutters. A 30 year member/breeder of the AQHA, Larry is an avid team roper (3 Steer Champion 2011 Reno Invitational) and successful cutting competitor-NCHA Derby non-pro Reserve Champion & Super Stakes finalist. He is also a member of the Western Dressage Association. A closely knit family rounds out the picture with wife, Julanne-2 daughters, Lisa & Eliza and son, Ty. Adding to the fun are two Jack Russells, and old beloved cow dog, Ms. and a clueless Border collie, Ivy. Larry has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the Milano Hat Company of Garland, Texas; manufacturers of quality Western hats for the Larry Mahan Hat Collection. Favorite charities are: Sky Ranch Roundup for Autism Cowboys for Kids Western Wishes, The American Cancer Society Working Ranch Cowboy Association “Our Western culture played an important role in the history of this great Nation.  I feel it is crucial that this blessed heritage & remarkable lifestyle remain vibrant and alive in the hearts and minds of Americans.”– LM Let’s Ride!

Awards

World All-Around Rodeo Champion for five consecutive years from 1966 to 1970, and a sixth time in 1973.
World Bull Riding Champion in 1965 and 1967
Inducted into The National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum’s Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1966.
Inducted into Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979.
Inducted into The Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.
Inducted into The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1999.
Recipient of the PRCA Legend of ProRodeo in 2010
PBR Ring of Honor 1998

Reared in Moore, Oklahoma, Harry Patterson is owner of Patterson Auto Group in Wichita Falls, Texas, Patterson Ford-Dodge-Chrysler-Jeep of Bowie, Texas, and Patterson Kia in Arlington, Texas and is former co-owner of Star Dodge, Hyundai, Honda and Toyota in Abilene, Texas.  His Wichita Falls dealerships include GMC Truck, Buick, Cadillac, Mercedes, BMW, Hyundai, Honda, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep and Kia Franchises.  Harry acquired his first dealership consisting of Oldsmobile, Toyota and Mercedes Benz in 1979 with two mentor investors.  The Patterson Auto Group dealerships employs over 400 associates.  Patterson also owns The Patterson Recreational Vehicle Center, Economy Kars and Miracle Funding. Thru Patterson Investments, Harry’s other business interests include numerous real estate holdings in several states, oil and gas operations, 4 P’s horse, cattle, goat and sheep ranches, bank ownership interests, Brand Talkers advertising in Oklahoma City, Ok  and numerous ”Angel” partnerships. Harry attended Oklahoma Christian College for two years and Oklahoma State University for another two years where he majored in Agricultural Economics.  He got into business as a retail automobile salesman during a summer break from college.  He never returned for the next fall semester; he knew after a couple of months that he had discovered his career. Harry served in the U. S. Army where he was awarded the bronze star decoration while serving in Vietnam in 68 – 69 with the 5th Infantry Division Mechanized.  Harry is actively involved in numerous veteran associations and endeavors. Harry is a deacon of Faith Village Church of Christ and chairman of the Communication Ministry.  He is Past President of Wichita Christian School and has served on the board for more than 30 years.  He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Oklahoma Christian; on the board of Texhoma Christian Care Center, Wichita Falls; and past director of Wichita Falls Board of Commerce and Industry.   He is past Area Director of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association.  He is Past President of the Wichita Falls New Car Dealers Association and is a member of the Better Business Bureau.  He has served on the Board of Partners for Christian Education for 32 years and is currently National Chairman.   He and his wife Brenda serve as volunteer ambassador speakers for Partners, which is dedicated to helping Christian schools and colleges all over the nation and abroad.

This is the 5th year Buster & Dianne McSparran’s Goode Ranch Chuckwagon has been cooking meals for Halo for Freedom Warrior Foundation “Weekend to remember”. Gary Pool, Tom DeGeer, Steve Hull, Jeff Jenkins, Mitch Morgan, Terry Bartee, Rick Smith and Tod Bunting have always helped us with these meals. We’ve received individual donations & donations from Wagons for Warriors to help with the expense of all the meals. It is our honor to do this every year. Thank you to all our warriors for your service.

Ben born in Rock Springs, Wyoming was selling vegetable and flowers seeds from the back of comic book store at the age of 6, by 10 he was a paperboy.  Ben graduated high school in 1971 and was hired by Pacific Power and Light as a materials inspector on the 500KV power transmission line from Jim Bridger power plant to Medford Oregon in 1994 where he remained until completion 6 years later.  During that period he was interested in hand carving elk and moose antlers, in 1982 Ben purchased a hand crafted in resin and hand painted wildlife hat pin business from Brent Barrett (wildlife artist).  He moved to Dubois in 1991 and purchased the Red Rock Lodge (Bar, Restaurant, and Motel) where he also became President of the DuBois Chamber of Commerce and sat on the Dubois Medical Board.  In 1995 he started having concerts with Steppenwolf, Nazareth, Ozark Mtn Daredevils, Gary Allen and Mark Chestnut.  He met his now wife Sherry Moser in 1998 and married within a year.  In 2000 he had a couple of Dubois high school students working for him by the name of Kelly and Chance Phelps who after 9-11 decided to follow in their fathers (John Phelps) footsteps and join the military. Corporal Chance Phelps was killed in action in Iraq April 9^th, 2004 with HBO movie Taking Chance starring Kevin Bacon which won a Golden Globe Award.  Ben and Sherry have helped Chance’s mother Gretchen Mack with her fundraising efforts for the Chance Phelps Foundation.  They have also created custom hat pins for the Doolittle Raiders in 2002 for their 60^threunion, where they were able to meet Dick Cole and receive a Doolittle Challenge Coin. Ben became a Minister in the Universal Life Church Monastery in 2013. He met Dana Bowman in 2014 when he saw him sky dive with a 75’ American flag for a Green Beret event.  They quickly became friends and now Dana has sky dived into the rodeo grounds 5 times at the Beartooth Rally in Red Lodge Montana.  Ben started the program Horns for Heroes in 2016, where their effort is to gather and purchase antlers to financially help Veterans in their home towns and to build antler products.  Ben’s father was in the Air force in WWII and a football injury his senior year kept him from being drafted in the Vietnam War. Ben joined the Legion 4 years ago and became a Legion Rider.  Over the last 4 years Ben and Sherry have donated hundreds of knives and thousands of dollars to veterans and other personal causes and developed a line of fundraiser products for all legions and VFW’s.

Gilliam was born in Dallas, Texas in August of 1938.  He currently lives just north of Dallas with his wife Susan.  He has 2 children and 4 grandchildren, all of whom live nearby. Prior to acting, Gilliam was a member of the Coast Guard’s boxing team.  Upon completing his Coast Guard enlistment, Gilliam followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Dallas Fire Department.  He remained in the boxing world for decades also working as a referee in California.  Gilliam started his acting career in the film Paper Moon, since then he has appeared in many popular motion pictures such as Blazing Saddles and Back to the Future Part III.

Buck was born in Hollywood, Ca to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Taylor Jr.  His father was the character actor Dub Taylor, sometimes known as “Cannonball” Taylor.  Buck served two years in the United States Navy. Buck Taylor is best known for his role as gunsmith turned deputy Newly O’Brien in the Gunsmoke television series. He and his current wife Goldie, live close to the Ft Worth area and run a ranch on the Brazos River. In 1993 Taylor began selling his paintings at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.  His paintings can be found via his website, private art shows, and festivals and at galleries.  His private commissions can be found in the Loomis Fargo headquarters, the Franklin Mint, John Wayne Enterprises, and the American Quarter Horse Association Museum in Amarillo, the National Ranching Heritage Center museum in Lubbock and in the hands of private collectors.  Taylor is the official artist for several rodeos including the Pendleton Round Up in Pendleton, Oregon and the Fort Worth Stock Show in Fort Worth, Texas.   Buck’s self-portrait hangs in the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in Ft Worth where he is also an inductee and has received the Spirit of Texas Award.  Buck has been memorialized in the “The Trail of Fame” along the streets of Dodge City and also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Buck was inducted as a trustee in the national Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City for his Gunsmoke role, he also has a plaque on the Walk of Western Stars in Santa Clarity, CA that includes past recipients James Arness and other Gunsmoke alumni Dennis Weaver.  Buck is currently in a series with Kevin Costner called Yellow Stone.