Under the Flag – Christopher Walsh

Matt Chrisenberry, recently back from deployment to Afghanistan in the Army Reserves, joins W.A.R. President Sheri Smith to honor our fallen brother-in-arms Chris Walsh.

Christopher Walsh. May 28, 1987 – March 16, 2020

U.S. Army Reserves. Springfield, MO Law Enforcement Officer.

Chief Williams described Officer Walsh as humble, compassionate and consistently kind. “Chris Walsh was a soldier, a police officer, an EMT, a musician and a great friend,” he said. Officer Walsh joined the Springfield Police Department in 2016. Before joining the force, he made another sacrifice for our country’s safety, serving in the United States Army, and was deployed twice to active combat zones.

“His sacrifice to, not only his community, but to his country, will stand out for sure,” said Dylan Honea, with the Southern Stone County Fire Protection District. (the above taken from KY3 article)

Obituary

Police Officer Christopher Ryan Walsh, “Tiffer,” 32, of Springfield, MO, was killed in the line of duty early Monday morning, March 16, 2020. He was called upon to respond to a situation that only a select few could ever have the courage and fortitude to handle. Without hesitation and through an uncommon valor, Chris ran into peril to put himself in between a danger and the people of his community that he so dearly cared for and swore his life to protect.

Chris was a loving husband to his bride Sheri Walsh, who he loved for more than half his life, and a caring father of his daughter Morgan Walsh. Cherished son of Kathy, and the late Timothy Walsh. Adored grandson to Leonard and Patricia Conrad. Beloved brother to Timothy John “T.J.” and Jeffrey Walsh. Treasured friend to Pedro and Vanessa Benitez, Thad Baker, Justin and Sara Garrett, Andrew and Frances Stallcup. Also survived by his god daughter, and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Chris was a model of the quiet courage and a sincere humility that his nation, community and family was blessed to have and saddened to lose. With a refreshing sense of humor and an instinctual desire to protect and defend Chris led a life that anyone could be proud to have lived. He began his career with the Springfield Police Department in 2016, while he continued to serve honorably in The United States Army Reserves. During his 14 years of honorable service to his nation Chris served in two active deployments to a combat zone, where he received a Combat Action Badge, and other decorations for his selfless service.

Chris and his wife Sheri began dating their freshman year at Glendale High School; and their long and loving journey continued beyond their graduation in 2006. They enjoyed a shared passion of music and both participated in jazz band, Chris as the lead baritone saxophonist. Chris volunteered for the Army Reserves and took his oath shortly after graduation. He graduated in 2008 from Ozarks Technical Community College’s Paramedic/EMS Program as an Emergency Medical Technician.

He achieved the rank of Sergeant, in the U.S. Army, and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008-09, and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010-11, operating as a convoy security element, and as a logistical convoy lead vehicle scout. His kindness toward others was ever present, foreign or abroad, he showed genuine compassion to the people of the countries he served in.

In addition to his noble service to his nation and community, Chris also held the distinguished honor of being a Co-Founder and CFO of the illustrious and exclusive Buffalo Club Springfield, MO, Chapter.

Although those that knew Chris well would agree that he was indeed the best of us, Chris would have preferred that his legacy was made apparent through our future actions to each other rather than dwelling on his absence. Christopher Ryan Walsh, a man devoid of vanity and devoted to the service and to the welfare of others would hope that out of these tragic circumstances something beautiful could take root in all of our hearts. Chris would hope that his memory would serve as an example to spur small kindnesses and acts of devotion and service to all of our community, friends and loved ones. To look past the things that separate us and to focus on the things that unite us.

There will be a private family ceremony held on Saturday March 21st, 2020. Officer Walsh will be escorted after the private service to Rivermonte Memorial Gardens at 4500 South Lone Pine Ave. Springfield, MO 65804, on Saturday, March 21st, 2020. The processional will begin at 2:30PM. Officer Walsh will receive police honors.

It has been announced that the general public may not attend any of the services. The service at the cemetery can be viewed live on the Springfield Police Department Facebook Page.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations have been requested for Morgan’s education scholarship fund and/or to assist the family. Donations may be mailed to: Springfield Police Officers’ Association at 235 N Benton Ave. Springfield, MO 65806. Any questions regarding memorial donations may be directed to the Springfield Police Officers’ Association Treasurer Brandon Keene (417) 920-2800.

WAR Podcast – Happy Hour w/ Travis and Cody

Join Travis Trizinsky (Marine Corps) and Cody Drewry (Marine Corps) for happy hour! Topics range from their service to our country, hunting and fishing, rodeo stories, and more!

True Obsession has been a partner and supporter of Warriors and Rodeo for years. Here is a sample of their support and memories! Be sure to follow their social media and try out their business!

Travis Trisisky and W.A.R. VP of Special Events Colt Ainsworth on the hunt in NV.

WAR Podcast – Pepper Stewart

  • Sheri Smith
  • J.D. Ingham
  • Pepper Stewart

W.A.R. President Sheri Smith and W.A.R. Regional Director J.D. Ingham interview Pepper Stewart, owner of a well-known media company and talk show The Pepper Stewart Show. Pepper is a former bull rider, bull fighter, and currently covers ranch, rodeo, agriculture, music, and western lifestyle media around the world.

Pepper has been a huge supporter of Warriors and Rodeo before it became a non-profit. Sheri Smith was his agent for three years. During that time, Pepper encouraged her to press on with her vision of taking her agent connections to give back to those who serve. In fact, Pepper was one of W.A.R.s first donors and continues to donate every year to help W.A.R. fulfill its missions.

This new edition of the Warriors and Rodeo podcast covers a wide variety of topics including COVID-19 in Texas, Minnesota, and Missouri, PBR, what it’s like to do media in the rodeo industry, history of The Pepper Stewart Show, and more! Turn it on while driving to work or put your blue tooth on and listen while on the tractor – either way check it out and listen to the end!

Pepper Stewart, J.D. Ingham, and Sheri Smith

Check out J.D.’s business at Rustic Lane Designs https://www.facebook.com/rusticlanedesignsmn/

Rustic Lane Designs
https://www.facebook.com/rusticlanedesignsmn/

C Bar J Horsemanship Clinic

June 1, 2020 Windsor, Missouri. Military and First Responder Horsemanship Clinic. This clinic is hosted by Matthew Jobe, Air Force Veteran and owner of C Bar J Ranch. Click here to sign up!

To learn more about C Bar J Ranch, Mounted Shooting, and all of Matt Jobe’s ranch adventures, click here.

To learn more about C Bar J Ranch – http://cbarj.com/ Facebook – C Bar J Instagram – @cowboyjobe

WAR Podcast – Rodeo Pig – 1000 Miles Till Home

Round 2

The next episode of W.A.R. Podcast – Rodeo Pig – hosted by Troy Hall, U.S. Army Special Operations Communicator MSG (R) with guests Wendell Berry, Co-Founder of 1000 Miles Till Home and WC Challenger Charities and Director of Fit-N-Wise in Decatur, Texas, and Sheri Smith, U.S. Navy Veteran and President and Founder of Warriors and Rodeo.

1000 Miles Till Home has partnered with Warriors and Rodeo to bring clinics, banquets, and events to our members. Their dedication and generosity has been instrumental for our organization.

WAR Podcast Round Table – 3 Navy Vets & a Pro Bareback Rider

Join Ken Snyder, US Navy Veteran/firefighter/bull rider along with Keith Marrano, US Navy Veteran/law enforcement officer/bull rider, Sheri Smith US Navy Veteran/President of Warriors and Rodeo and our special guest Professional Bareback Rider/Speaker/Instructor Clint Cannon.

What a great combination!

Topics include COVID-19, concussions, deciding to retire, eating too much during the quarantine, and more!

More about Clint Cannon:

Airman Salute – Operation Under the Flag

Airmen salute during the STRAY 59 memorial flight in Okinawa, Japan, Feb. 26, 2020. The flight pays tribute to the 23 lives lost during the Special Warfare Exercise of 1981, call sign STRAY 59.

Photos By: Air Force Senior Airman Cynthia Belio

A ceremonial wreath sits on the ramp of a 17th Special Operations Squadron MC-130J Commando II (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cynthia Belío)
Loadmasters from the 17th Special Operations Squadron and the 1st Special Operations Squadron prepare to drop a ceremonial wreath to pay their respects during the annual STRAY 59 memorial flight off the coast of the Philippines, Feb. 26, 2020. This is the 39th consecutive year the 353rd Special Operations Group has paid tribute to the 23 lives lost during the Special Warfare Exercise (SPECWAREX) of 1981, call sign STRAY 59, by dropping a memorial wreath at the suspected overwater crash site near Subic Bay, Philippines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Cynthia Belío)

Stray 59 was the call sign of an MC-130E from the 1st SOS that crashed Feb. 26, 1981 during an exercise killing eight of the nine crew members and 15 special operators that were passengers. The memorial flight has been flown by the 1st SOS every year since the crash.

According to Air Force Special Operations Command, the morning of Feb. 26, 1981, the crew’s takeoff time for the mission was slipped from 1:05 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. due to an extended crew day on their mission a day before. STRAY 59, executed a non-tactical departure from Cubi Point at 4:28 a.m. and executed a tactical landing back at Cubi Point at 5:06 a.m. to quickly load 15 personnel participating in the exercise. STRAY 59 executed a tactical departure two minutes later. The crew made their operational normal call six minutes into their low-level flight with a ground radio station. The second, and last, transmission from STRAY 59 was received at 5:21 a.m.; there had been no indication from the crew to indicate a problem with their aircraft.

A local fisherman watched the aircraft impact the water and explode. Eight crew members and 15 special operators were killed instantly. One crew member was thrown from the wreckage and rescued by a local fisherman.

The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. Minutes after impacting the ocean the wreckage sank to a depth of 240 feet.

Lost during this operation:

  • Maj. James Kirk, aircraft commander
  • Capt. Norman Martel, pilot
  • Capt. Thomas Patterson, navigator
  • Capt. Gregory Peppers, navigator, Tech
  • Sgt. Stephen Blyler, radio operator,
  • Tech. Sgt. Barry Chumbley, loadmaster,
  • Tech. Sgt. Gary Logan, loadmaster
  • Staff Sgt. John Felton, flight engineer

WAR Podcast- Cowboy Mounted Shooting

Join Air Force Veteran Matthew Jobe, owner of C Bar J Ranch, and De Chapman, Mounted Shooting Coach, on this episode of the WAR Podcast.

Matt and De discuss the sport of Cowboy Mounted Shooting. From equipment, competition, and reasons to participate, they share why and how to start in this event.

While there are multiple reasons to attend a clinic, one that stuck out to me was this – many people ride with a firearm but will your horse respond correctly if you shoot from the saddle? These clinics provide an opportunity for you and your horse to be trained and prepared in the event you must fire while on the trail.

We appreciate Matt and De taking the time to share such great information. To find out more go to:

WAR Podcast – Rodeo Pig w/ Troy & Devin

Round 1

(W.A.R. Podcast #4)

Hosted by U.S. Army Special Operations Communicator MSG (R) Troy Hall and co-hosted by Canadian Army Infantry CPL Devin Harder with W.A.R. President and podcast producer Sheri Smith, U.S. Navy.

Get to know W.A.R. Canada Regional Director, Devin Harder. He and Troy discuss numerous topics including bull riding in Canada, COVID-19, injury, Devin’s service in the Canadian military, and more.

Be sure to check back again for WAR Podcast – Rodeo Pig – Round 2 with Troy and Devin!

WAR Podcast – Covid 19 Update Texas

Warriors and Rodeo Vice President of Special Events, Colt Ainsworth, Air Force Veteran, gives an update from Dallas/Ft. Worth Texas area on the COVID-19 crisis. Colt’s wife, Britni, is a nurse at a hospital in Arlington, Texas. Join W.A.R. President Sheri Smith and Colt in this 14-minute recording.

Note: I was feeling ill at the time of this recording, which can be heard on the call. Please excuse the sniffing, clearing my throat, and heavy breathing 🙂 – Sheri Smith, President of W.A.R. Navy Veteran.