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When more than 9,000 people passed through the gates of the 2025 Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, few knew they were witnessing something bigger than the sport, the pageantry, or the sound of boots on dirt.
They were witnessing a movement.
One that begins with a simple truth: the men and women who serve our communities every day—our first responders—deserve to be seen, supported, and honored not just with words, but with action.
On First Responder Night, Fort Worth took a bold step forward. In partnership with the American Warrior Association (AWA) and its flagship R3 Program, city leaders, donors, families and the FWSSR Commission came together to do more than simply say “thank you.” They helped shine a light on the hidden weight our police, fire, EMS, and dispatch carry—and the growing need for real solutions rooted in care, connection, and resilience.
Set against the backdrop of one of Texas’s most iconic events, this short film captures the voices behind R3—leaders from AWA—and their vision for building a nationwide movement of healing and support.
In the video, you’ll hear from:
- Will Spencer, Founding Director of AWA
- Anna Heil, Executive Director
- Mark Fierer, Co-Founder of AWA
Together, they speak to the soul of R3: a program created with first responders, for first responders.
From paid resiliency training to family-focused retreats like Warrior’s Refuge, R3 offers what standard wellness programs can’t—a place to resolve the invisible wounds of service, like moral injury, before they become crises.
In the weeks leading up to First Responder Night, a powerful 30-second television ad aired on the Cowboy Channel. It featured the testimony of Texas police officer Aaron Krauss, who came face-to-face with the darkest moment of his life—before finding hope and healing through R3.
That story reached thousands. The ad played across multiple nights of the rodeo and became a conversation starter not just for Fort Worth, but for cities across the country.
Because behind every badge is a human being. And behind every moment of courage is often a quiet, unspoken cost.
Why This Night Mattered
More than a sponsorship or suite event, this night was a declaration: First responders are not alone.
Thanks to AWA and Fort Worth leadership—including Mayor Mattie Parker, City Council, and department heads—this public-private partnership demonstrated exactly what it looks like when a city wraps its arms around its first responders.
This wasn’t just about Fort Worth. It was a model.
A replicable framework for other cities ready to step up and show what they’re doing to keep their community safe—not just from danger, but from despair.
Inside the AWA suite, donors, supporters, and first responder families gathered for a night that was both celebratory and sincere. Smiles, stories, and moments of quiet reflection made their way into photos—many of which you’ll find in the gallery above.
They capture not just faces, but the spirit of a growing movement.
This Is What Leadership Looks Like
When a city like Fort Worth says “yes” to something like R3, it’s not just backing a program—it’s setting a new national tone.
It’s saying that honoring service must go beyond ceremony. That supporting first responders isn’t a trend—it’s a civic responsibility. And that real change begins when communities take bold, visible steps together.
From city halls to rodeo arenas, from retreat centers to kitchen tables, the message is clear:
If you want to see a stronger, safer, more resilient America—start by standing with those who keep it standing.
Be Part of the Movement
R3 isn’t just for Fort Worth. It’s for every community that wants to lead with courage, compassion, and commitment.
✔️ Shine a light on the service and sacrifice in your community
✔️ Show your first responders that they matter
✔️ Make your city a blueprint for others to follow
Partner with us. Bring R3 to your town.
Donate Now to Support the Mission
