I was lucky enough to be invited to participate in the 2015 East Texas Deer Hunt. I would like to start off by saying that from the minute we hit the ground in Shreveport, to the time we were dropped off at the airport to leave, we were welcomed with open arms by all of the volunteers. There was not a minute that went by that I did not know what was happening, or what was going to happen. It was well planned and executed from top to bottom. The local communities all poured out their support of the participants involved, and it was truly a moving and heartwarming experience. I can’t say enough about the East Texas community and their support of the military.

Next I would like to talk about the local law enforcement officers that gave their time to help support the event. These gentlemen were absolute professionals that made us feel right at home and were extremely helpful in all aspects of the event. From the ride in, to getting our hunting licenses, to the Wardens that guided us on our hunts... exceptional!

The hunt itself was almost secondary to the hospitality we received from the local landowners and Mr. Satterwhite. The lodging and food were unbelievable, as well as the culminating event that ended with the auction. An event that truly made me proud to be part of the occasion. But I have to say that the hunting was extraordinary. Excellent management practices in your area produced some of the finest specimens of deer I have ever seen in one location. I will not soon forget the deer I was lucky enough to harvest on Mr. Mickey Smith’s property. 

My last bit of recognition has to go out to the nice ladies that came in each morning and cooked us a wonderful breakfast. There is nothing that made the mornings pass so well as a belly full of biscuits and gravy. To the men that volunteered their time to process all of the animals taken, thank you. Your work did not go unnoticed. To the excellent taxidermy services that were provided, I know deer season is your busiest time of year, but yet you pitched in and helped us out... thank you.

If anyone to be invited to one of these hunts were to ask me what I thought, I would say go go go! This hunt is a once in a lifetime opportunity... clear your schedule.

Once again I owe a tremendous thanks to you, Combat Warriors, and all the landowners, volunteers and sponsors for a spectacular weekend of duck hunting and camaraderie. I stumbled into the duck hunt last year by chance invite and didn’t know what I was getting into or how disappointed I was going to be for not being able to stay for the whole weekend. Since then, I have been humbled to participate in other Combat Warriors events.

The Twin Oaks Turkey Hunt allowed me to truly experience and appreciate the fellowship that comes with every Combat Warriors event. The time shared with fellow combat veterans and the great Americans that make these events possible is a true blessing.

The Harkers Island Old Drum Fishing outing was a fantastic opportunity to have my son with me and watch him hook up with a large drum. I missed the opportunity to do those types of things with him over twenty years of service. We enjoyed the time immensely and view everyone involved with Combat Warriors as extended family (that you want to spend time with).

I had been looking forward to the 2016 Duck Hunt all year and it surpassed my excited anticipation. I was able to enjoy reconnecting with the Combat Warrior family, bring longtime friends from the Marine Corps, and introduce them to the Combat Warriors family.

I truly hope everyone involved in Combat Warriors understands how much you’re appreciated and how humbling it is to be provided these opportunities. Big thanks to all!