By Lee Roberts
 |
| A wounded warrior shoots skeet at a free skeet shoot Aug. 21, 2010 sponsored by Lonestar Radiator Company, a Texas Independent Automotive Association associate member. Photos by Lee Roberts |
CASTROVILLE, Texas – Lonestar Radiator Company, an associate member of the Texas Independent Automotive Association, treated 15 wounded warriors from the United States military to a day of free skeet shooting here Aug. 21, 2010.
Non-profits Veteran Outdoors and Wounded Warrior Project helped organize the event and invited veterans and active duty members to the event where they were honored and encouraged to just have a good time shooting at the clay birds.
David Bippert, co-owner of Lonestar Radiator, said his company just wanted to give something back to the men and women who have obviously given so much for the very freedoms Americans enjoy every day.
 |
| The wounded warriors pose by the Academy Sports & Outdoors banner following the skeet shoot. Academy was a major sponsor for the event. |
“There is a lot of things we need to do to support our troops and every little bit of appreciation I think helps,” Bippert stressed.
The wounded warriors shot skeet much of the day, enjoyed a brisket lunch, and socialized with the many automotive related business representatives in attendance.
Although one wounded warrior fired his shotgun from a wheel chair and others were missing limbs, it was clear from the get-go that they were anything but challenged. Instead they were very accurate shots eager to have fun, show their mettle and compete for prizes donated by Academy Sports & Outdoors, P.J. Farm & Ranch Services, CSF Radiators & Condensers, Bourquin Automotive (also a TIAA member), and Performance Radiator.
Rio Skeet Mobile Skeet Shoots, also a sponsor, provided the skeet services and assisted the wounded warriors on the firing line.
“I think it’s awesome and I’m looking forward to the next round,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Rachel Clarke, the lone woman wounded warrior in the group. “So I’ll keep shooting until they run out of ammo if they let me.”
 |
| Army Sgt. 1st Class Rachel Clarke, a wounded warrior, takes aim during the skeet shoot. |
Medically retired Army Sgt. Tyler Sloan, who lost a leg as a result of being struck with an Iraqi sniper’s bullet in 2006, had the best score of the day and earned bragging rights.
Veteran Outdoors representative Cody Hirt thanked the Wounded Warrior Project, Lonestar Radiator Company and the sponsors for going the extra mile to support these brave men and women.
Hirt said when he first got involved with taking wounded warriors on hunts and outdoor adventures, he felt sorry for them. But one of the first experiences he had involved a veteran who asked him if he needed a hand with that baggage.
“I said sure. He handed me his prosthetic arm. And that kind of set the tone for how these trips are. These guys… they are so capable. They are so able. They are such an inspiration to us,” Hirt said.
 |
| The wounded warriors were accurate shots and hit their targets from every angle. |
Darryl Bippert, also co-owner of Lonestar Radiator Company, added his praise at the conclusion of the event and said he is just thankful for what the wounded warriors represent.
“We realize as small business owners and just Americans that we would not have the freedoms that we have if it wasn’t for the men and women that were out here today. And we never take that for granted,” he said. “And to be able to be a part of what happened here today with the warriors being able to be here at this shoot… it’s very meaningful to us as Americans to support them, to be a part of what happened here today.”