Charlie Rankin

RODEO ACTIVITIES AND CONTRIBUTIONS

One of the 33 founders of the original organizing committee in 1948-1949 for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA)
First President of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) 1949
Author of the original constitution of the NIRA
Publicity Chairman of original organizing committee, 1948
Texas A&M Team Member first NIRA College National Finals Rodeo, Cow Palace, 1949
Champion Bareback rider, First NIRA Texas A&I Rodeo, Kingsville, 1949, Texas A&M Team
First Executive-Secretary NIRA, 1950.
All-Around Cowboy, Texas Aggie Rodeo-1947

Former member Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Rodeo Committee
Member NIRA Alumni Board of Directors
President Valley Agriculture Research & Development Corporation (Non-Profit Corporation)
Member Board of Directors Texas Ranger Association Foundation, Waco
Member Rodeo Cowboy Alumni Association
Life Member Rodeo Historical Society
Member ProRodeo Hall of Fame Society
Life Member Confederate Air Force
Life Member Sons of Confederate Veterans
Life Member American Legion, VFW and NRA
Navy Veteran of WW II and Korean War
Past President Texas Citrus Mutual
Past Chairman Texas A&M- Citrus Center Advisory Com.

Honored by Texas Senate and House, by then Lt. Gov. Rick Perry by joint resolution signed by Gov. Bush on 50^th Anniversary of National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.
Texas Agriculture Meritorious Service Awards from Texas FFA, Texas 4-H, Texas Professional Ag-Workers, Texas County Agents, Texas Vegetable Association, Texas Citrus Mutual, Rio Grande Horticultural Society, Texas Vocational Ag. Teachers, Valley Soil Conservation Districts, Hidalgo County Farm Bureau, Texas Produce Association, Valley Advertising Federation.
“Save the Soil & Save Texas” Awards from Ft. Worth Press- 1961 & 1976
“Man of the Year in Agriculture’ -1983
“King Citrus”, Texas Citrus Fiesta -1989
Gold & Silver Buckle Appreciation award – All Aggie Rodeo -1997