ANAHEIM, Calif. – On Friday night at PBR Teams in Anaheim, the spotlight shifted from the bucking chutes to battlefield courage as the Be Cowboy Award, presented by Horse Soldier Bourbon, honored a man whose life proves you don’t need a Stetson or spurs to live by the cowboy code.
This week’s honoree was Chris Woodburn, a United States Marine Corps veteran whose courage was forged on the front lines of Iraq. From 2005 to 2009, he served two tours as an Infantry Machine Gunner, operating in the volatile cities surrounding Fallujah. As the turret gunner in the lead vehicle on mounted patrols — and on foot during dismounted patrols — Woodburn faced danger head-on, helping protect his fellow Marines while supporting critical counterinsurgency missions.
The award was presented by Tyler Garner, a Horse Soldier Bourbon co-founder and former Staff Sergeant with the 1st Special Forces Group. Garner served as a Communications Sergeant on ODA 195 through multiple theaters of conflict before helping launch American Freedom Distillery in St. Petersburg, Florida. His story connects to one of the most iconic chapters in Special Forces history — the post-9/11 horseback mission into Afghanistan.That mission inspired the “Horse Soldier” name and the 18-foot America’s Response Monument in New York City, now the logo of Horse Soldier Bourbon.
Since returning home with an Honorable Discharge, Woodburn has remained deeply committed to serving the veteran community. He earned both an undergraduate degree and an MBA before beginning his career at Capital Group Companies, where he now serves as Assistant Vice President, leading a global investment operations team. There, he helped establish a veteran community group focused on empowering veteran employees, families of veterans and the broader veteran community across Orange and Los Angeles Counties.
Beyond his professional work, Woodburn also serves as a board member for the Reel Warriors Foundation, a nonprofit that gives veterans a chance to reconnect through saltwater fishing and outdoor activities. Their mission is simple but powerful: to help veterans rediscover the camaraderie and unity they often miss after service, creating moments of peace, purpose and connection. Under Woodburn’s leadership, the foundation continues to make a lasting impact.
Woodburn’s story is a reminder that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. Whether leading Marines in Iraq, mentoring fellow veterans in California, or giving back through Reel Warriors Foundation, his life reflects the values that define the cowboy way — courage, integrity and an unwavering dedication to others.
As the Anaheim crowd rose to its feet, they were honoring more than just a decorated veteran — they were celebrating a man devoted to community and leadership. Like the Horse Soldiers who rode into the unknown after Sept. 11, 2001, Chris Woodburn continues to show up, ready to serve.
From all of us at PBR and Horse Soldier Bourbon, thank you, Chris Woodburn, for reminding us what it truly means to Be Cowboy.
Stay tuned after each PBR Camping World Team Series stop as we continue to spotlight the local heroes and changemakers who inspire us.
Photo courtesy of Bull Stock Media