OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA. – During a weekend packed with adrenaline and world class bull riding, one moment at PBR’s Wildcatter Days stood apart — when the arena lights turned toward a community leader who embodies the true spirit of the cowboy way.

In front of a packed crowd at Paycom Center, retired green beret and Horse Soldier Will Summers took center stage to present the Be Cowboy award, presented by Horse Soldier Bourbon, an honor that recognizes individuals who live each day with courage, selflessness and good old-fashioned grit. This year’s recipient: Debra Wimpee, mayor of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and executive director of Soldier’s Wish.

A former commercial real estate leader, Wimpee has spent decades leading from the front — in business, in public service and in steadfast support of our nation’s veterans. Now in her second term as mayor, she made history as part of Broken Arrow’s first ever female mayor and vice mayor duo. She’s been recognized as Broken Arrow’s Citizen of the Year, nominated as Woman of the Year by The Journal Record, and honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in her industry. But her proudest title? Community servant. Whether through her grassroots news platform, BA Buzz, her efforts to uplift women in municipal leadership or her commitment to supporting Oklahoma’s military families, Wimpee has made it her mission to show up and serve.

Now leading Soldier’s Wish, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring and supporting those who have served, Wimpee continues to channel her energy into life changing work, granting wishes that meet the unmet needs of veterans and active military members. Her leadership is as bold as it is heartfelt and rooted in deep gratitude.

That spirit was on full display during Wildcatter Days, presented by Beaver’s Bend Cabin Country, not only through the award presentation but in a surprise act of generosity that brought the entire arena to its feet. With the help of Soldier’s Wish and the Oklahoma City community, retired U.S. Army veteran Justin Prewitt — a single father of three who had been without a vehicle for over a year — was gifted the keys to a brand-new ride. The crowd erupted as Prewitt was honored not just for his service, but for the quiet strength he’s shown in caring for his family through every challenge.

The gesture was a testament to Wimpee’s character — not just standing in the spotlight, but redirecting its beam toward what matters most. In a moment meant to honor her, she used the stage to uplift others, passing it forward and honoring the very people this country could not be great without.

Being cowboy is about more than boots and bulls — it’s about character. It’s about stepping up when others stand back. That’s the kind of spirit Wimpee lives every day. Summers, who served on horseback in Afghanistan as part of America’s immediate response to 9/11, proudly presented her with the Be Cowboy Award, spotlighted above the chutes in the very state where she grew up, graduated high school and now serves to leave the community better than she found it.

From all of us at PBR and Horse Soldier Bourbon — thank you, Mayor Wimpee, for reminding us what it truly means to Be Cowboy.

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Stay tuned after each PBR Camping World Team Series stop as we continue to spotlight the local heroes and changemakers who inspire us.