[quote style=”2″]Wyden, Merkley, Walden Urge Secretary of Air Force to Reverse Decision[/quote]
Dear Secretary Deborah James:
We write to urge you to reverse a recent decision and permit a flyover at the Pendleton Round-Up on September 19, 2015.
The Pendleton Round-Up in Eastern Oregon is one of the biggest rodeos in America, often drawing close to 100,000 visitors from across the country. In the past, the Air Force has graciously supported the Round-Up by allowing a military flyover to honor the members of Oregon’s Guard and Reserve. This flyover is an important reminder of the sacrifice they and their families make, and it has become an event that rodeo attendees look forward to.
You can imagine our disappointment to learn that the Air Force denied Pendleton’s request for a flyover at this year’s Round-Up because current policy is to permit flyovers only for national sporting events or events that are held to honor patriotic holidays. However, the Pendleton Round-Up actually is a national sporting event. The Pendleton Round-Up attracts visitors from across the United States, boasting ticket sales to individuals in 44 states and Washington, DC last year alone. The event is also live streamed by the Wrangler Network and had the most viewers of any rodeo broadcasted on the website nationwide last year. Given these impressive statistics, it’s hard to understand how the Air Force does not consider Pendleton Round-Up a national sporting event. And since the requested flyover is just one day after National POW/MIA Recognition Day, it should more than qualify as a patriotic flyover.
We understand that budget constraints are impacting this and many other decisions at the Department of Defense. We also know that the Air Force is committed to connecting with local communities around the country and that flyovers are an important part of building and maintaining those connections. In that spirit, we urge you to reconsider your decision and authorize a flyover at this year’s Round-Up. We appreciate your time and look forward to your timely response.
Sincerely,
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden
U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley
U.S. Rep. Greg Walden
