NEBRASKAland Days has named longtime aviator, rancher and community leader Gary Trego as the recipient of the 2026 Dale Studley Award, one of the organization's highest honors recognizing individuals who exemplify leadership, service, Western heritage and dedication to the community.
A North Platte native who grew up on a ranch north of Sutherland, Trego built an impressive resume both in and out of the arena. He earned High School All-Around Cowboy honors as a junior and senior, won the Nebraska State High School Rodeo All-Around Championship in 1955 and was named the University of Nebraska All-Around Cowboy in 1957.
After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1964, Trego returned to North Platte and combined his ranching roots with a passion for aviation. In 1966, he and his wife, Terry, founded Trego Aviation at North Platte Regional Airport. The company later expanded into Trego-Dugan Aviation, a nationally recognized aviation services business with operations across the country.
During his flying career, Trego logged more than 13,000 flight hours and earned an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, the highest level of pilot certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. He continues to serve as chairman of the board for Trego-Dugan Aviation.
Trego has also spent decades supporting rodeo, youth programs and community organizations. He served 13 years on the Buffalo Bill Rodeo Committee, was a member of the NEBRASKAland Days Board of Directors, assisted the Sutherland Rodeo Committee and supported youth competitors through the Nebraska High School Rodeo Association. His family has also been longtime supporters of the Miss Rodeo Nebraska program through annual saddle donations.
Beyond rodeo and aviation, Trego chaired the Nebraska Aeronautics Commission for 10 years and served 25 years on the board of First National Bank.
"Gary Trego's life reflects the values that the Dale Studley Award was created to honor," NEBRASKAland Days Executive Director Bob Lantis said. "From his success in rodeo and aviation to his unwavering commitment to community service and Western heritage, Gary has left a lasting impact on Nebraska and serves as an inspiration to future generations."
Trego was recognized Friday night during the Buffalo Bill Rodeo as part of the 2026 NEBRASKAland Days celebration.
The Dale Studley Award honors individuals whose leadership, dedication and contributions have helped preserve the legacy of NEBRASKAland Days and the Western way of life.