“They are very humble,” Bippert stressed about the wounded warriors. “They’re so surprised and thankful (to be honored), because it’s part of the job that they signed up to do. And it makes them feel good when you do call them heroes, even though they may not think of themselves as that.”
Participants also received prizes donated by Academy Sports & Outdoors.
Army Cpl. Armin Gamalyan, took first place at the skeet shoot. He is recovering from wounds he received when an improvised explosive device ejected him from his position as a mounted gunner in Afghanistan Dec. 2, 2010.
After the event, Gamalyan said he had fun and was blown away by all the support.
“I’m from California. Texas is amazing. They love their veterans here,” Gamalyan said about the day’s activities. “It’s great getting out of the barracks, letting us shoot… the food was awesome.”
Retired Army Master Sgt. Daniel Robles from San Antonio took second place. He is a double amputee from injuries received when an IED hit his Humvee in Baghdad in 2006.
“This is pretty much the best kind of therapy you can get being outside with a bunch of people that like to do what you like to do,” Robles said. “Even walking around out here… gets you back into things and proves to yourself you are able to do things.”
Robles said it was also good to meet Capt. William Lyles, who is also a double amputee and early in the process of his recovery. He was injured when he stepped on an IED during a firefight Aug. 28, 2010 in Afghanistan.
Lyles brought his wife and four kids to enjoy the activities. Although he was unable to participate in the skeet because he is still early in the recovery process, it was clear he was moved by the generosity and support of everyone.
“Events like this are just… I mean honestly amazing,” Lyles said. “They give guys chances to do things they’ve never done. I mean heck, my wife is down there shooting a rifle right now and never shot before in her life. The support of the people here in San Antonio, just the surrounding area, people have been amazing. I don’t think I can say thank you enough for all that I have received. Even just a thank you or pat on the back or someone shaking my hand really means a lot.”
Bippert said that Lone Star Radiator and sponsors also donated $2,000 to Veteran Outdoors so more wounded warriors could also experience an activity similar to their skeet shoot.
For more information about Lone Star Radiator Company, go to www.lonestarradiator.com.
