Danny Dietz Memorial Classic
13 years ago, event founder Danny Quinlan met Gunner's Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny Dietz's wife, Patsy at an event where she was speaking about her husband's life in the SEAL Teams and Operation Red Wing; where on June 28, 2005, four of America's most elite warriors were conducting a reconnaissance mission in the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan and came under fire, ultimately taking three of the four men's lives. Mr. Quinlan approached Patsy with the idea of bringing together the exciting sport of team roping with the SEAL community to honor her husband. The event started under the umbrella of the Navy SEAL Foundation, which we still partner with, but in 2015 we started our own 501c3 to expand our reach to all branches of special operators and first responders.
Erica Molina speaks to us about why the U.S. Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Memorial Foundation is so near and dear to heart. Reminiscing on the most impactful moment of her involvement with the foundation.
Each Memorial Day ever since 2009, a contingent of Gold Star Spouses (surviving widows of fallen SEALs) and retired and active duty SEALs, descend on Texas to help us raise money for the families of the fallen, the warriors themselves, and for first responders. It is a weekend of laughter, tears, and lots of American pride. It is a way to remember what Memorial Day is all about. It is not just the first weekend of summer, or a great weekend to barbecue with friends and family. It is meant to be a time to remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice and support the families that have been left behind. The Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Foundation chooses one fallen hero to be honored as an “Honorary Texan” each year. Proclaimed by the Governor of Texas and presented by the elite Texas Rangers, it is a honor with real benefits to the surviving family, including -but not limited to- allowing a fallen soldier’s child to attend a Texas school under resident tuition. Our event offers the rare opportunity to meet these men and women and thank them for their service and sacrifice.
You will come out of the weekend with a new appreciation for your freedom.
The Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Foundation is proud to announce the 12th annual Danny Dietz Memorial Classic is coming to Decatur, Texas this Memorial Day weekend- May 28-31,2021! We are proud to be partnering with National Roper Supply to continue to support our mission to “serve America’s heroes” through our annual fundraiser. All proceeds go to the Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Foundation and The Navy SEAL Foundation.
We would love to have you kick off the weekend with us at the Danny Dietz “2 is 1” Gala and Auction on Friday night. We will have a large contingent of gold star spouses, retired and active-duty Navy SEALs- including ret. SEAL and author James Hatch, who will be our guest speaker. There will be an Extreme Roughstock Buck Out with bareback and bull riders!! The live auction will be full of unique items including an opportunity to “Shoot with a SEAL”!! Then you can dance the rest of the night away to music will be provided by local favorite the Randy Brown Show.
The link for tickets can be found below! Tables are available as well:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/navy-seal-danny-dietz-2-is-1-gala-and-auction-tickets-150774146531?fbclid=IwAR0KBHvTAFS_0wlYSTh2agQ0IyLzF_1qpcpFS2Xw4FD_F21i9a0C1DS8pjQ
Thank you and we hope to see you there!
The Navy SEAL Danny Dietz Foundation Team
For more information on the foundation: www.navysealdannydietzfoundation.com
For more information on the event: www.dannydietzmemorial.com