Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.,
is one of six outdoor industry-leading manufacturers serving as the founders of
Honored American Veterans Afield (H.A.V.A.). As part of the H.A.V.A.’s
continued efforts to facilitate hunting and shooting activities for veterans,
Yamaha, among others, supported, staffed and sponsored the 2nd
Annual National Family Day in San Antonio, Texas. Below is an overview of
the successful event.
Honored American Veterans Afield (H.A.V.A.) Hosts 2nd
Annual National Family Day
Eighty-Nine disabled veterans and active duty military
participate in shooting event
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (April 1, 2009) – Honored American
Veterans Afield (H.A.V.A.) hosted the organization’s 2nd Annual National Family
Day on November 14, 2008 at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio,
Texas. The event was attended by 89 disabled veterans and active duty military
personnel from various military facilities in the San Antonio area. These
Wounded Heroes also brought another 57 family members to the fun-filled day for
a total of 146 participants. Activities included shooting demonstrations, range
time, food, prizes and musical entertainment.
Veterans and active duty military from across Texas and as
far away as Washington state, participated in the event, which drew both
national and local support.
Twenty-three companies and organizations from within the
shooting sports industry supported the event along with representatives from
the Texas National Guard, V.F.W., Wounded Warriors Project, Brothers of Fallen
Heroes, Texas Paralyzed Veterans Association and the USA Shooting Team.
In all, more than 100 volunteers helped assure these heroes and their families
had a great day.
Attendees participated in range activities that featured eight
stages of fire including everything from pistols, shotguns and rifles to a
cowboy stage hosted by S.A.S.S. (Single Action Shooters Society).
Children of the Wounded Warriors were able to shoot an air soft action course
as well. The day also featured a shooting exhibition by professionals
Jerry Miculek and Max Michel. Several participants shot with Miculek and
Michel in a “fun” pro-am event.
The event was capped off with a mini concert by platinum
country recording artist Mark Wills and a barbeque hosted by several area VFW
units. The evening festivities also featured a raffle for the
participants, where winners walked away with various door prizes including
firearms from Smith & Wesson, Remington and a USA Shooting Ruger 10-22
(which was autographed by the entire USA Shooting Team).
“Our mission to serve these American Heroes was accomplished
on all fronts,” said Tom Taylor, H.A.V.A. Chairman. “In our second year to host
this event, we more than doubled the number of participants and had a
tremendous outpouring of volunteer support from the industry and other
organizations in order to make the day a tremendous success. We were
asked many times if we plan to host a 3rd Annual Event and we have committed to
do so on November 13, 2010.”
LtCol David Barnes of the U.S. Marine Corps Patient Affairs
Team added, “We appreciated the hard work and dedication that the volunteers
put into this event. The chow was great and every Marine got to shoot various
events and ask lots of questions. What a great time! This was a top notch event
and I would recommend it to any service member. You can count on my
Marines to attend next year!”
With the goal of reconnecting wounded men and women from the
armed services with their love of the outdoors, the H.A.V.A. organization was
developed to raise awareness and further assist disabled veterans with their
healing process through guided hunts, shooting competitions and other outdoor
activities. Those who would like to continue on HAVA’s mission, learn more
about the organization and how to contribute or see photos from past events can
visit www.honoredveterans.org.
About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
(YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, offers the toughest, most capable
and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding line
of products also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft,
snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories,
apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of
more than 4,000 dealers in the United States.
Headquartered in Cypress, Calif.,
since its incorporation in 1976, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and
Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more
information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com |
