On January 13, 2024, Hunting with Soldiers held their 8th annual hunt here in San Saba. The day started off with a wonderful breakfast prepared at the Father's House. We wish to thank all the hard workers that made that happen. We also want to thank Lynn Hamrick and Aunt M's Illustrated Inn for lodging.
As the day progressed, the hunters and their guides descended on leases provided by land owners, Marsha Childress, Charles Nichols, the Lambert family, Deryl Hoyt, Les Hardy, Mary White, Marge Wagner,
See Hunting with Soldiers Larry Crump, Charlie Cummings, Will Smith and Lane Garcia.
Guides that helped out were Bill Jones, Justin Jones, Barry Townsend, Malcolm Jolly, Justin Hoyt, Shawn Barbour, Payton Hogan, Tony Johnson, Romero Cisneros, Deryl Hoyt, Rickie Smith, Larry Crump, Will Robertson, Jr., Javier Baez and Aaron Wilson. One hog and a few deer were taken this year.
At noon, everyone met at Pepperbelly's Restaurant to exchange stories and eat a great meal provided free of charge by Romero. Many thanks to him for that.
Gordon Melton, president of Hunting with Soldiers, made opening remarks and thanked everyone that helped make this day happen. He asked us to remember that an average of 22 veterans a day take their own lives. Stating that 'suicide does not end the pain, but transfers the pain.' Winfield Basham took time to remember Larry Smith, who passed away in 2020. Larry played a large part in organizing these hunts. Winfield also remembered his grandson, Benjamin Edwards, who took his own life last year.
Chaplain Captain Kenny Cuccia was a guest speaker who encouraged the vets to seek life always and to help others with their struggles. The hunters were all given a military edition camo covered Bible with their guides name and contact information and were encouraged to contact their guides anytime for support and prayer.
The vets were also fitted for a custom made pair of boots donated by Justin Boot Company. Rae Carrington was the Justin representative. Tom Cartlidge and his daughter,Ann, represented Olsen-Stelzer Boot Co. Tom specializes in fitting and making boots for soldiers who have severe foot problems or are in need of boots for prosthetics. Tom has been making boots for 52 years. We really appreciate these folks for providing these wonderful gifts.
You should have seen the hunters' faces when Game Warden Murr stopped in to introduce himself; it was priceless. All in all it was a great hunt once again.