Fresno farmer, veteran awarded farm utility vehicle at 2024 PBR World Finals
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A National Guard Soldier from Fresno received new farming equipment at the Profesional Bull Riders World Finals Championship in Arlington, Texas.
Master Sgt. Pangia Xiong of the California Army National Guard in Fresno was among the five farmer veterans who received keys to new equipment through Kubota’s “Geared to Give” program at the 2024 PBR World Finals.
The other recipients were:
Adam Cason, U.S. Army veteran, Sulphur, Oklahoma
Lt. Col. Rob Moore, U.S. Marine Corps, Fredonia, New York
Chris Pedersen, U.S. Army National Guard veteran, Almena, Wisconsin
Capt. Blaine Underwood, U.S. Air Force, Westville, Florida
“The ‘Geared to Give’ program is Kubota’s way of honoring our Nation’s veterans for their service in the military, but also to empower them with the tools they need as they serve their communities a second time, by helping to feed them,” said Alex Woods, Kubota Senior Vice President and a veteran of the Army National Guard.
Master Sgt. Pangia Xiong, California Army National Guard, Fresno, California
Officials say the recipients and their guests received an all-expenses-paid trip to Arlington, Texas, to attend the 2024 PBR World Finals in Kubota’s dirt suite.
“Veterans play an important role in strengthening our rural communities and we are honored to be a part of their journey by providing them with much-needed tools to build their farming operations so they, too, can give back to the areas they serve,” said Woods.
Master Sgt. Pangia Xiong and her family own and Operate Sunshine’s Farm in Fresno, a U-pick strawberry farm. Officials say she was gifted an RTV-X1140 utility vehicle and a variety of accessories including a canopy, winch kit, and front and rear LED work lights.
“The impact that Kubota makes on the lives of our beginning farmers and ranchers and their families is life-changing. To witness someone being given keys to a new tractor is heartwarming and a moment filled with emotion and hope. I’m so grateful for Kubota and its continued support for our members, their futures, and their dreams,” said Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) CEO Jeanette Lombardo.
Farmer veterans can apply annually to the FVC Fellowship Fund to be considered for donated Kubota equipment through the “Geared to Give” program. Anyone seeking more information on the FVC’s 2025 application can visit their website.
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