LONGMEADOW, Mass. (April 1, 2009) Honored American Veterans Afield (H.A.V.A.) hosted the organization's 2nd Annual National Family Day on November 14, 2008 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."
Lt. Col 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.
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