Post by WI8SecFan on Nov 7, 2007 17:11:36 GMT -5
CPL Chris Mason Makes PBR World Finals Debut
(Saint Louis, Missouri) – CPL Chris Mason made his debut with professional bull rider Tony Mendes at the 2007 PBR World Finals held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Chris Mason, a Corporal in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne and former Bull Fighter from Mobile, Alabama, sacrificed his life in Iraq to preserve and protect the freedoms of American’s around the world on November 28, 2006 at 12 noon CDT.
“In honor of Chris for the things he has done to protect my family and our country, I asked his family for permission to place a memorial decal on my safety vest at the World Finals,” said Tony Mendes. “I owe this man so much for what he has done and I cannot thank him or his family enough. He did the things most of us want to do but are afraid to do and he gave his life doing it. Having Chris with me for the PBR Championship weekend was one small way to express my appreciation for him, his family and for all of his fallen brothers & sisters.”
Chris is the son of Garland and Susie Mason and like any man his age; he loved his two dogs, his Chevy pickup truck and a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire. Above all he loved God, but he also loved physical training, women, fast cars, fishing, and just plain being a cowboy!
Everyone in rodeo who knew Chris knew him as "Chris Mason". He was a member of the PRCA from 1996 to 2005 as a Bullfighter / Cowboy Protection. He spent many a weekend working cowboy protection for free with the Alabama National High School Rodeo Association until he entered the US Military as a US Paratrooper Infantryman.
“In my heart, I could feel him watching over me from the first ride out of the gate,” said Tony Mendes. “It takes a lot of courage to do what Chris has done. The Bible says that there is no greater sacrifice than to willfully give your life to save another. Chris and the men and women like him are our protectors, our Angels not only in the ring – but on the world stage in the fight against terrorist. Their sacrifice speaks volumes of how much they love each of us… most of whom they have not ever met."
The reasons Chris joined the service are many. A primary reason Chris gave to his Dad, Garland Mason, was “I am tired of watching other men and women fightin’ for my freedom,” said Chris. “So I have decided to make my own stand, and do my own fightin’".
Chris was ambushed and killed by Al-Qaeda terrorist while moving into position to provide fire support for his fellow paratroopers in the small town of Siniyah, Iraq. His unit had come under heavy small arms fire from Al-Qaeda forces and could not disengage. Chris died soon after being hit by an IED. The DOD (Department of Defense) has him listed as being killed by small arms fire, during a firefight with Al-Qaeda at the same location.
“It does not matter how my son died,” said Garland Mason. “Bottom line is he was doing what needed to be done for his country. He believed in being free, and he was willing to give his life to stay free, and to protect your freedom.”
As an explanation for why he was fighting in Iraq, Chris stated on Nov 12, 2006 shortly before his death, "We Are the Fabric That Holds the Flag Together".
Chris stood calm and strong in the face of imminent danger to protect those who were at their weakest and in need of help. Whether he was nose to nose with a 2000 lb. bull to save a cowboy or with 6 guns a blazing Old West Style against 2000 Al Qaeda terrorists to save the American way of life… he had the heart of a fearless Warrior.
Chris Mason is a man amongst men and is a true American Hero.
Thank you Chris, Garland and Susie Mason for your sacrifice!
A special Thank You is sent out to Chris’ brother, Chaplain Garland D. Mason lll, 82nd Airborne, Fort Bragg, NC. who is currently serving in Iraq. Please keep him in your prayers.
*** ***
This press release was written by Diamond III Sports Management with full permission of Garland Mason Jr. No monetary funds have been requested, and none been offered. Questions, comments and observations may be sent in writing to Diamond III – 710 N. 2nd St.,Ste 200 S, St. Louis Missouri 63102
(Saint Louis, Missouri) – CPL Chris Mason made his debut with professional bull rider Tony Mendes at the 2007 PBR World Finals held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Chris Mason, a Corporal in the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne and former Bull Fighter from Mobile, Alabama, sacrificed his life in Iraq to preserve and protect the freedoms of American’s around the world on November 28, 2006 at 12 noon CDT.
“In honor of Chris for the things he has done to protect my family and our country, I asked his family for permission to place a memorial decal on my safety vest at the World Finals,” said Tony Mendes. “I owe this man so much for what he has done and I cannot thank him or his family enough. He did the things most of us want to do but are afraid to do and he gave his life doing it. Having Chris with me for the PBR Championship weekend was one small way to express my appreciation for him, his family and for all of his fallen brothers & sisters.”
Chris is the son of Garland and Susie Mason and like any man his age; he loved his two dogs, his Chevy pickup truck and a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire. Above all he loved God, but he also loved physical training, women, fast cars, fishing, and just plain being a cowboy!
Everyone in rodeo who knew Chris knew him as "Chris Mason". He was a member of the PRCA from 1996 to 2005 as a Bullfighter / Cowboy Protection. He spent many a weekend working cowboy protection for free with the Alabama National High School Rodeo Association until he entered the US Military as a US Paratrooper Infantryman.
“In my heart, I could feel him watching over me from the first ride out of the gate,” said Tony Mendes. “It takes a lot of courage to do what Chris has done. The Bible says that there is no greater sacrifice than to willfully give your life to save another. Chris and the men and women like him are our protectors, our Angels not only in the ring – but on the world stage in the fight against terrorist. Their sacrifice speaks volumes of how much they love each of us… most of whom they have not ever met."
The reasons Chris joined the service are many. A primary reason Chris gave to his Dad, Garland Mason, was “I am tired of watching other men and women fightin’ for my freedom,” said Chris. “So I have decided to make my own stand, and do my own fightin’".
Chris was ambushed and killed by Al-Qaeda terrorist while moving into position to provide fire support for his fellow paratroopers in the small town of Siniyah, Iraq. His unit had come under heavy small arms fire from Al-Qaeda forces and could not disengage. Chris died soon after being hit by an IED. The DOD (Department of Defense) has him listed as being killed by small arms fire, during a firefight with Al-Qaeda at the same location.
“It does not matter how my son died,” said Garland Mason. “Bottom line is he was doing what needed to be done for his country. He believed in being free, and he was willing to give his life to stay free, and to protect your freedom.”
As an explanation for why he was fighting in Iraq, Chris stated on Nov 12, 2006 shortly before his death, "We Are the Fabric That Holds the Flag Together".
Chris stood calm and strong in the face of imminent danger to protect those who were at their weakest and in need of help. Whether he was nose to nose with a 2000 lb. bull to save a cowboy or with 6 guns a blazing Old West Style against 2000 Al Qaeda terrorists to save the American way of life… he had the heart of a fearless Warrior.
Chris Mason is a man amongst men and is a true American Hero.
Thank you Chris, Garland and Susie Mason for your sacrifice!
A special Thank You is sent out to Chris’ brother, Chaplain Garland D. Mason lll, 82nd Airborne, Fort Bragg, NC. who is currently serving in Iraq. Please keep him in your prayers.
*** ***
This press release was written by Diamond III Sports Management with full permission of Garland Mason Jr. No monetary funds have been requested, and none been offered. Questions, comments and observations may be sent in writing to Diamond III – 710 N. 2nd St.,Ste 200 S, St. Louis Missouri 63102
