CBR Honors Local Hero At CenturyLink Center

CBR Honors Local Hero At CenturyLink Center

Four-time world champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman recognized retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Burnie Mims Watson III on Saturday night at the CenturyLink Center.

Feb 6, 2017 by Cassie Emerson Emerson
CBR Honors Local Hero At CenturyLink Center
The Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport Tuff Hedeman Championship Bull Riding took a pause from the action on Saturday night to honor a hometown hero at the CenturyLink Center in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Four-time world champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman recognized retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Burnie Mims Watson III, or Buddy as he is known to friends and family, for his 25 years of service as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Watson's flight-time record included more than 3,200 hours while flying AC-130s, RF-4s, and F-16s.

Watson, who competed in rodeo as a youth, currently enjoys the Louisiana ranch life and judging rodeos on multiple competitive rodeo circuits.

A 1973 graduate of Texas A&M, Watson spent his first six years after flight school crewing AC 130 Spectre gunships in Thailand, which involved Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon, and the rescue of the USS Mayaguez. In 1981, he was stationed in Germany and flew an RF-4C on 27 NATO reconianance missions over East Germany and Poland. In 1986, he returned stateside after being made a squadron commander at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

In the early 90s, Watson served as a weapons officer for the Central Air Forces (CENTAF) and a member of the 33rd and 17th Tactical Fighter Squadron. He flew F-16s in the Desert Shield/Storm Operations as a member of General Chuck Horner's staff and also served as the general's pilot.

Mr. Watson retired in 1997 and ended his decorated service with the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Medal, Southeast Asia Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal.

After retiring, Watson taught at Ruston High School and then deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan with DynCorp Inc.

Watson and his wife, Jane, live in Eros, Louisiana, and enjoy ranch life and their three grandchildren.

Information provided by Championship Bull Riding

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