Friendly salutes military

Friendly Ford, at the intersection of Decatur Boulevard and U.S. Highway 95, is holding an open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday to give military personnel, veterans and their families the opportunity to register for Military Appreciation Day during the annual Helldorado Days celebration.

Military Appreciation Day will be presented by Horses4Heroes, Friendly Ford and USAA from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. May 19. The first 200 military heroes who register will receive a free T-shirt. All will receive free tickets to the Helldorado Days PRCA Pro-Rodeo performance that night at 8.

Jason Davis, Friendly Ford general manager, said guests who attend the Saturday's open house will be in for a good time.

"Horsepower will meet 'horsepower,' " Davis said. "Guests will be introduced to an American Mustang horse and a miniature horse. During the day, mention Military Appreciation Day when you test drive a brand-new Ford Mustang or any car, truck or SUV on our lot, and we will donate $25 to Horses4Heroes," he said.

There also will be the opportunity to visit with special guests including Miss Helldorado Days Chloe Powell and Sheriff Woody and Jessie from "Toy Story," learn how to rope, and enjoy face painting and refreshments. Representatives from local equestrian organizations will be on hand . Contact Friendly Ford for a complete schedule of the day's events.

Military Appreciation Day also will be the national kickoff of Operation Free Ride, a veterans outreach initiative spearheaded by Las Vegas-based Horses4Heroes. Operation Free Ride is an unprecedented collaboration of breed associations and equestrian organizations, united to introduce horses and horseback riding to our nation's heroes and families. Blue Star/Gold Star mothers and wives are invited to participate as well. To register for a free ride or to attend the May 19 event, visit
www.operationfreeride.com or call
645-8446.

"This day and this program is for families that have ever wanted to ride a horse or experience the special bond and friendship of horses," said Sydney Knott, president and executive director of Horses4Heroes Inc. "Horses certainly have proven their ability to help heal the wounds of war and separation."

Horses4Heroes Inc., founded in 2006, is the nation's leading family horseback riding organization that serves all active duty military personnel, First Responders, critical care and hospice nurses and their families. The organization's national network of 155 facilities provides affordable recreational, instructional and health and wellness equestrian programs for all ages, all riding levels and in all disciplines on all breeds.

Helldorado Days 2012 is sponsored by Elks Lodge No. 1468. Proceeds benefit local charities that support the community's youth and veterans. Helldorado Days Chairman Duane LaDuke said the goal is to provide a fun community event for locals and families.

Friendly Ford, 660 N. Decatur Blvd., is a 13-time winner of the Ford Motor Co.'s Presidents Award for Customer Satisfaction. For more information, visit Friendly Ford at www.friendlyfordlv.com or call 870-7221.