Story by Rob Shilaikis
Originally from Hale Center, KG Slone grew up in Lubbock, Texas before enlisting in the United States Army in 2000 as an Infantryman or better known as 11 Bravo. A little known fact is the infantry is the main land combat force and backbone of the Army. They are responsible for defending the United States against any threat by land, as well as capturing, destroying and repelling enemy ground forces. For 12 years, KG called home to places like Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Riley, Kansas; Fort Hood, Texas; and Fort Lewis, Washington. But it is through his overseas deployments throughout his career that offer more insight into who KG Slone really is.
KG’s first deployment landed him in Kuwait in 2002 for six months in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2003 he was sent to Iraq for nine months. Then after being reassigned to Fort Hood in 2004, KG deployed back to Iraq for the next 15 months. Apparently this was the norm for when he was reassigned to Fort Lewis, KG again went back to Iraq for another 15 months with the 4th Brigade; a Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The battalion deployed to Iraq in the spring of 2007 and engaged in combat operations in Tarmiyah, the Battle of Baqubah, and other locations throughout Diyala and Salah Ed-Din. So KG has seen his share of combat filling roles as a Team Leader to Acting Squad Leader. But what he is most proud of is his time as a Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of funeral details while at Fort Lewis. It goes without saying the importance of bringing home those who gave it all in defense of our great Nation. It is because of KG’s professional military career that he waited until the age of 26 before starting to rodeo.
KG liked the idea of riding bulls so he hit the practice pen and entered open rodeos before joining the Professional Western Rodeo Association in Washington State. He travelled throughout Washington and Oregon while still on active duty. In 2007 KG joined the Professional Armed Forces Rodeo Association (PAFRA) and in 2009 won the Pacific Circuit Bull Riding Championship. He continues to rodeo with PAFRA and volunteers to fill leadership roles within the association. In the past, he was PAFRA’s Pacific Circuit Director and currently is the associations Rough Stock Director.
KG has left his military career behind him and doesn’t miss dodging improvised explosive devices. He now hangs his hat in Saint Jo, Texas, operating his own business appropriately named, “KG’s Metal Works.”
