Longmeadow, MA (12/8/2009) - Honored
American Veterans Afield (H.A.V.A.) hosted the
organization's 2nd Annual National Family Day
on November 14, 2009 at the National Shooting
Complex in San Antonio, Texas. The event was attended
by 89 disabled veterans and active duty military
personnel from various military facilities in
the San Antonio area. These Wounded Heroes also
brought another 57 family members to the fun-filled
day for a total of 146 participants. Activities
included shooting demonstrations, range time,
food, prizes and musical entertainment. Veterans
and active duty military from across Texas and
as far away as Washington state, participated
in the event, which drew both national and local
support.
Twenty-three companies and organizations from
within the shooting sports industry supported
the event along with representatives from the
Texas National Guard, V.F.W., Wounded Warriors
Project, Brothers of Fallen Heroes, Texas Paralyzed
Veterans Association and the USA Shooting Team.
In all, more than 100 volunteers helped assure
these heroes and their families had a great
day.
Attendees participated in range activities
that featured eight stages of fire including
everything from pistols, shotguns and rifles
to a cowboy stage hosted by S.A.S.S. (Single
Action Shooters Society). Children of the Wounded
Warriors were able to shoot an air soft action
course as well. The day also featured a shooting
exhibition by professionals Jerry Miculek and
Max Michel. Several participants shot with Miculek
and Michel in a "fun" pro-am event.
The event was capped off with a mini concert
by platinum country recording artist Mark Wills
and a barbeque hosted by several area VFW units.
The evening festivities also featured a raffle
for the participants, where winners walked away
with various door prizes including firearms
from Smith & Wesson, Remington and a USA
Shooting Ruger 10-22 (which was autographed
by the entire USA Shooting Team).
"Our mission to serve these American Heroes
was accomplished on all fronts," said Tom
Taylor, H.A.V.A. Chairman. "In our second
year to host this event, we more than doubled
the number of participants and had a tremendous
outpouring of volunteer support from the industry
and other organizations in order to make the
day a tremendous success. We were asked many
times if we plan to host a 3rd Annual Event
and we have committed to do so on November 13,
2010."
LtCol David Barnes of the U.S. Marine Corps
Patient Affairs Team added, "We appreciated
the hard work and dedication that the volunteers
put into this event. The chow was great and
every Marine got to shoot various events and
ask lots of questions. What a great time! This
was a top notch event and I would recommend
it to any service member. You can count on my
Marines to attend next year!"
With the goal of reconnecting wounded men and
women from the armed services with their love
of the outdoors, the H.A.V.A. organization was
developed to raise awareness and further assist
disabled veterans with their healing process
through guided hunts, shooting competitions
and other outdoor activities. Those who would
like to continue on HAVA's mission, learn more
about the organization and how to contribute
or see photos from past events can visit www.honoredveterans.org.
