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dedication, hard work and achievement in an industry that is sometimes overlooked or forgotten. These are men of a time long ago, and of today. These are the kind of men John Wayne looked up to. They are the 'real deal'. These are cowmen.

Born as far back as the early 1900's, these cowmen are usually of four- and fve-generation families that were cattle ranchers in Texas and New Mexico. They lived off the land during the worst of times. The Great Depression. The Dust Bowl Days. These men would've made John Wayne proud. They possess 'true grit'. As the story of each man is told, there is laughter and there are tears. It’s a very emotional moment for them and their families. Even the audience is affected, as several wipe their own tears away. The big moment that all have been waiting for fnally comes. Each 'old-timer' is called up, one by one off of their leather seat, to the podium on center stage and is offcially 'crowned' when the "Foy Proctor Memorial Cowman's Award of Honor" is placed around their neck. This honor is bestowed by the Board of Directors of the Nita Stewart Haley Memorial Library and History Center upon those that have made a signifcant difference in the cattle and ranching business.

This is the 12th year for the presentation, with four honorees, and a special award going to Mr. Evetts Haley, Jr., bringing the total up to 60 honorees. From West Texas to the corners of New Mexico, Colorado and beyond, the men and women chosen represent what is good and true. They stand on the stage on behalf of a generation of integrity, hard work, commitment and determination. Men among men, each one accepts their honor in front of their peers, with graciousness and with humbleness. There is no 'showboating'. Just good old-fashioned thankfulness. To receive such an honor that represents above all, a true and honorable cowman - Foy Proctor - each cowman repeatedly mentions the distinguished man, and his contribution to the old West.

It always makes me proud to be a Texan, and even better - the great-granddaughter of a Texas cowman. The stories of Indian tomahawks fying through the air past my great-granddad's head as a little boy have haunted me for years. I hope you take the

ABOVE A few storytellers have a laugh, as they get the event underway with a few stories of their own. Seated (left to right) are: Mike Capron, Cotton Elliott, Skip Woodard, Snap Woodard and Honoree John Dublin with Dick Winters, emcee of the event. LEFT BOTTOM Honoree John Dublin (facing camera) enjoys looking at an old Texas map with family members. RIGHT TOP Cole Armstrong, Jr. burns the family brand for his father, Honoree Cole Armstrong, at the ‘Burning of the Brands’ the evening before the festivities.