Here is my latest article in the North Texas Navigator. Be sure to click HERE to see the video of Governor Rick Perry walking through the fire for these brave men. 

These Marines are Real American Heroes and they know how to Hunt and Fish

This 3 day outdoor excursion was successful before the first Marine stepped foot onto the property, into a deer blind, or on the lake shore.

For these men just getting to the 4M Whitetails Ranch in Paluxy, Tx. was not an easy task. The hunt was provided by Combat Marine Outdoors an organization who works with severely wounded Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Navy Corpsmen.  Their mission is to give these brave men a chance to incorporate in their rehabilitation program a hunting and fishing experience of a lifetime. The Marines selected for this hunt were nominated by their superior officer and had met all of the qualifying criteria. Each of these Marines have gone through a tremendous amount of healing both physically and mentally from wounds sustained while fighting for the United States of America.

It was a pleasure and honor to be in the presence of these great Americans for such a wonderful cause. It was clearly apparent that everyone who volunteered their time left feeling even more patriotic, and touched by what these brave young men have done to preserve our freedoms.

It started with introductions, a prayer of thanksgiving, and a hot lunch prepared at camp headquarters.

On hand were some highly respected dignitaries that served as volunteers. Joining in to make the event even more special were Texas Governor Rick Perry, Lt. General Joe Weber, and Former Congressmen Duncan Hunter.

 After lunch it was then time to head for the target range to site in each hunter’s  rifle. Governor  Perry immediately grabbed his camera, and began taking  pictures looking like a citizen  journalist or the media for the trip. 

 He captured some great shots of these Marines  handling their  rifles and having fun. It became  apparent from the very  beginning that this trip  was not about him being in the limelight,  but  about seeing that these Marines had an  experience of a lifetime.

 The 4M Whitetails Ranch would prove to be a  hunt of a lifetime for these Marines. There were plenty of nice quality deer to be harvested, and the fishing for this time of year was incredible.

As the first evening hunt came to an end with one of the Marines getting his first buck we all shared in the excitement. As one of the pictures suggests, Governor Perry and the ranch dog Jethro were howling with their approval.

After dinner the group assembled in the main house of the ranch around the fire place for a brief ceremony. Lt. General Joe Weber was presented a Combat Marine Flag in honor of the work he has done for the Combat Marine Outdoors organization along with being an example of an American Hero to these young men.

The Mooring Family was also presented a Marine Combat Flag for their generous Texas hospitality, and the genuine affection they have shown these American Heroes over the last several years.

After the ceremony and more fellowship most everyone retired early after a long day. The next day was filled with bright sunshine, but cool and windy conditions. As everyone had hoped another Marine got his buck in the early hours of the morning.

To see video and to read the Rest of the Story..... click HERE. 

If you like this story please pass it on. We are trying to help give the Combat Marine Outdoors organization as much publicity as possible.