Pass Along PDJJune 2010

Honored American Veterans Afield

By Heath Gunns

America is a wonderful country.  We live in a nation of strength, power, compassion, and tradition. Our values are strong, with freedom being the foundation from which all things come.  Freedom has a cost, which is paid by the members of America's military. They are true American Heroes. 

The men and women of the military have answered the call to defend the freedoms we cherish.  They do so selflessly and with dedication, knowing America is a great nation worth fighting for... possibly sacrificing life and limb.  They do this with neither reservation, nor expectation of recognition.  They do it because they believe in our traditions; they believe in protecting our freedoms; and most importantly, they believe in accomplishing the job America asks them to do. 

In 2008, I began what has turned out to be one of the most satisfying experiences of my life.  I began to volunteer with an organization called Honored American Veterans Afield.  HAVA, www.honoredveterans.org, is a nonprofit organization started by companies in the shooting and outdoor industry with the purpose of raising awareness and assisting disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting sports, and other active outdoor sports activities.

My initial involvement with HAVA took place in San Antonio, Texas. I meet service members at the Center for the Intrepid and went on a Hog hunt with a disabled veteran. The following day was spent at the National Shooting Complex for the first annual HAVA family day.  Over 40 service members and their families were treated to a full day of shooting activities, lunch, professional shooter demonstrations, and so much more.  From the Hog hunt, to the day on the range shooting the coolest stuff the firearms industry has to offer... a gift from those who contribute to HAVA.& nbsp;

Editor's note: In this time of war and with the celebration of our nation's independence right around the corner, it was appropriate to post this article in "On the Wing" of the Subscriber Only section. To read the rest of the article, visit www.pointingdogjournal.com.

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