Warrior Nation
In October 2021, Omar Benally and Curtis Imming—both Marine veterans and members of the nonprofit Warriors and Rodeo—were attending Charly Crawford’s American Military Celebration and roping school, where Benally seized the opportunity to approach fellow Navajo and World Champion Erich Rogers to gauge his interest in helping put on a WAR clinic.
A short six months later, on Saturday, May 14, 2022, Erich Rogers, Derrick Begay and Aaron Tsinigine hauled their gear and horses into the Navajo Nation’s Dean C. Jackson Memorial Arena to spend the day roping with, instructing and honoring 15 Native American veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
WITHOUT HESITATION
Thinking back, “without hesitation” is a phrase that stands out in Benally’s mind. That’s how everyone accepted the opportunity to make the clinic happen, starting with Rogers.
“Omar approached me the day of the ProAm roping,” Rogers remembered. “I said, ‘Yea. Just let me know. Whenever.’ I didn’t know if it was for real, but I gave him my contact info and then talked to Curtis, and it was a pretty legit deal.”
“He was on board right away,” Benally added.
With an affirmative from Rogers, the rest of the planning commenced. Benally and Imming approached the administration running the Navajo Nation Fairgrounds and were told yes,
