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Bandera, TX – Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) and partner organizations hosted four days of diverse training and new instructional shooting for 60 Veterans at the Bandera Gun Club in Bandera, Texas.
The first day focused on active duty military and Veterans who have shifted careers to law enforcement. Participants included personnel from the Texas Department of Public Safety; the United States Marine Corps, including Marines who served with Special Operations Command; and, Army Rangers, including a former Ranger Battalion (Bn) Command Sergeant Major (SgtMaj).
The following days of the event were an introduction to, and training sessions for, shooting sports, like a steel target challenge, long range training and skills challenge, and handgun training. Fifteen of these participants are Texas-based, catastrophically wounded Veterans, among many other various injuries and disabilities. All enjoyed shooting instruction, some friendly competition, and the familiar military camaraderie of cherished range time with those who understand their challenges. The Ranger Bn Command SgtMaj (retired) was very impressed with HAVA’s training event and held it in high regard saying he learned new skills he had not addressed during his time as a Ranger.
“HAVA continues to search for new ways to impact the lives of those we honor even during this challenging time we face”, said Tom Taylor, HAVA Chairman. “This event model has taught us we can have significant impact in very personal and meaningful ways by having less attendees, but more one-on-one experiences and sharing.”
HAVA was very happy to see one Marine return to a second HAVA event. Three years previously, she attended an event and required one-on-one special coaching to learn to shoot a revolver. Since that event, she has made shooting a hobby, returning this year in better condition, and is shooting a semi-auto very proficiently. Her accomplishments and confidence are inspiring!
Two Army Airborne Soldiers attended with two stories of how service impacts lives. One, a newer Soldier, saved another paratrooper while exiting an aircraft, but became entangled himself, and one of his arms was severed as he fell from the airplane. Two lives instantly impacted – one saved and one forever changed. This young man demonstrated amazing humility and enthusiasm for life. The second Soldier suffered numerous back and leg injuries throughout his many years in the Airborne – another life forever changed. This HAVA event motivated him to not only get outdoors and shoot more, but he also plans to help his peers get outdoors to shoot and hunt, too.
The Bandera Gun Club, The Independence Fund, International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), Warriors Heart, staff and volunteers from HAVA, SIG SAUER and ACADEMI all supported this event. Special thanks to each of our volunteers who donated their time, including Vietnam Veteran and retired Marine Col. Phil Torres. Their combined commitment made this event happen.
This new shooting event at Bandera was formed since HAVA’s 14th Family Day was cancelled due to COVID. Family Day, HAVA’s annual flagship event, held at the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) Training Complex, is extremely popular, drawing far too many participants into close proximity to be COVID compliant. HAVA and the SAPD look forward to resuming Family Day in the Fall of 2021.
About HAVA
HAVA is a 501(c)3 organization formed by companies in the shooting and outdoor industry with the purpose of raising awareness and further assisting disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting events and other outdoor sports activities. The sustaining sponsor companies are Smith & Wesson, Hornady, Leupold & Stevens, Surefire, Crimson Trace, Yamaha Outdoors (all founding sponsors), National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Sig Sauer, Glock, Academi, Arnold Defense, FMG Publications, Leapers/UTG, Mossberg, Ruger, Savage, Taurus, Vista Outdoors (Federal/ATK), Armada Ammunition, The Independence Fund and XS Sights, among numerous contributing companies. To learn more about HAVA, go to: www.honoredveterans.org.
ACADEMI
ACADEMI, a Constellis company, is a global provider of sustainable training solutions and secure logistics management. For more information visit: www.constellis.com
The Bandera Gun Club
Bandera Gun Club is locally owned and operated, opened August 10, 1987, with continuous growth to well over 900 members. Open all day every day. Come out and shoot with us! For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/Bandera-Gun-Club-136657719716142/
The Independence Fund
The Independence Fund is committed to empowering our nation’s severely wounded, injured, or ill Veterans to overcome physical, mental, and emotional wounds incurred in the line of duty. We are dedicated to improving the lives of both our Veterans and their families. Through our Mobility, Caregiver, Independence@Home, Operation RESILIENCY, Advocacy, and Family programs, The Independence Fund strives to bridge the gap of unmet needs for Veterans and their Caregivers.
To learn more about The Independence Fund, go to: https://www.independencefund.org
International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA)
The IDPA is the governing body of a shooting sport that simulates self-defense scenarios and real-life encounters. It was founded in 1996 as a response to the desires of shooters worldwide. The organization now boasts membership of more than 25,000, including members in 70 foreign countries. To learn more about IDPA, go to: https://www.idpa.com
SIG SAUER
A New Hampshire-based weapons systems provider leading the industry in American innovation, ingenuity, and manufacturing. To learn more about SIG SAUER, go to:https://www.sigsauer.com/company/
Warriors Heart
Our mission is to heal our nation’s warriors through our private, licensed, and accredited resort-style healing centers. We do this by specializing in substance abuse treatment and co-occurring psychological disorders, with special attention to post-traumatic stress, unresolved grief/loss, and moral injury. Our treatment courses provide the full continuum of care, from detox, inpatient (residential), day treatment, outpatient, sober living, and 1-on-1 counseling. To learn more about Warriors Heart, go to:https://www.warriorsheart.com
Media Contact: Kim Cahalan 309-944-5341 kim@mediadirectcreative.com