SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS -(Ammoland.com)- Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) and the San Antonio Police Dept. (SAPD) announce another very well attended National Family Day.
Nearly 300 disabled veterans, spouses and kids and over 100 volunteers enjoyed a full day of the HAVA “giving back” formula of family fun, shooting, good food, gift bags, prizes and camaraderie at the 165 acre SAPD training academy in San Antonio, TX.
For the 9th consecutive year of successful events in San Antonio (5 years at the SAPD facility), the day featured a shooting exhibition by World Champion Max Michel, 6 stages of fire for vets, spouses and teens.
The range also including a “Girl and A Gun” stage for ladies only and a new “Learn to Shoot Again” team to re-train severely injured veterans…by severely injured veterans.
The family day also featured youth safety training, airsoft instruction/shooting, a 60-foot inflatable bounce house and professionally staffed infant/toddler care so that the parents could enjoy all of the day’s events.
As always at HAVA events, each veteran received an impressive gift bag and over 40 high value guns/outdoor products were given away in a raffle.
And every child went home a winner with a kid’s raffle prize. And in a special raffle at this year’s event, a Marine Sgt. won a Glock 30th Anniversary engraved, collectible pistol.
“We had veteran families from as far away as Dallas attending this year as word has spread throughout the military communities that the HAVA day is a must-see event that is particularly suited to the family unit,” said HAVA Chairman Tom Taylor. Many of the SAPD officers are veterans and understand the difficulties of conversion back into civilian life and we had contingents of Marines, Explorers and Police Auxiliary attending as volunteers. They were all dedicating their best efforts to serving the needs of our military guest families who have sacrificed so much in America’s service. It was HAVA’s honor this year, and every year, to represent our industry in serving these heroes.”
SAPD Chief William P. McManus added, “I was totally impressed by the dedication and level of service by our HAVA/SAPD team in giving these deserving American military families a day to remember as they strive to rebuild their future, often despite overwhelming physical and/or emotional handicaps. SAPD has over 2,000 officers that are dedicated to community service and we were privileged to spend another day interacting with those heroes who answered the call when our country needed them. We plan on being here again next year as HAVA celebrates the 10th anniversary of it’s first-ever event, right here in San Antonio.”
About HAVA:
HAVA is a 501(c)3 organization formed by companies in the shooting and outdoor industry with the purpose of raising awareness and further assisting disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting events and other outdoor sports activities. The sustaining sponsor companies are Smith & Wesson, NSSF, Sig Sauer, Academi, Arnold Defense, ATK/Federal, Barrett, Crimson Trace, Diamondback, FMG Publications, Glock, Hornady, Leapers/UTG, Leupold & Stevens, Mossberg, NASGW, Proof Research, Ruger, Surefire, Taurus, XS Sights, and Yamaha Outdoors among numerous contributing companies. Those who would like to learn more about the HAVA organization can do so at www.honoredveterans.org.
About SAPD:
The San Antonio Police Department has over 2,000 officers dedicated to improving the quality of life for the people of San Antonio by creating a safe environment in partnership with the people that they serve. They act with integrity to reduce fear and crime while treating all with respect, compassion and fairness. Learn more at www.sanantonio.gov/sapd.aspx