Chili Canyon Ranch Hosts Our Inaugural Hero Hunt
Over twenty-three million Veterans, brave and selfless men and women, have proudly donned a military uniform to defend our great nation’s freedom. These Veterans often leave the fields of battle with physical and mental scars and return to civilian life changed. Their courage keeps U.S. citizens safe and their sacrifices inspire a new generation of heroes proud to support the red, white and blue.
In that spirit, Chili Canyon Ranch (“CCR”) looked to honor these heroes. We joined forces with 501(c)(3) non-profit Military Warriors Support Foundation (“MWSF”) to launch our inaugural Hero Hunt.
It is our personal mission to give back to Veterans who have sacrificed so much. CCR’s Art Garza and wife Pearl Summers-Garza were eager to help. Mr. Garza was introduced to U.S. Army MSG Daniel Robles who served in Iraq and works with MWSF. This introduction led to the launch of CCR’s Hero Hunt. MWSF’s mission is to provide support and programs that facilitate a smooth and successful transition for combat wounded heroes and Gold Star Families. CCR and MWSF working together is a perfect fit.
Hero Hunt took place Saturday, January 7th. The CCR family and a band of volunteers hosted wounded Veterans and their families for a fun-filled adventure in the heart of Texas Hill Country. CCR recognized and were honored to host U.S. Army MSG Daniel Robles, U.S. Army SPC Jose Santiago (served in Iraq), and USMC SGT Raphael Harris and U.S. Army SSG Jose “Freddy” Ruiz (both served in Afghanistan). Their wives and families also joined the CCR family for the event.
The day opened with a safety briefing followed by a guided tour of the CCR property and facilities. The Veterans were able to showcase their weaponry skills with target practice and clay shooting. Seeing these heroes walk the rugged terrain and climb into deer blinds despite their amputations and physical limitations was awe-inspiring.
Later in the day, San Antonio’s District 1 Councilman, Roberto C. Treviño shared some great words of wisdom and support for these outstanding heroes. Councilman Trevino and staff member Fred Chapa’s dedication to San Antonio energizes their efforts to support Veterans. The day’s events concluded with a dinner smorgasbord by Chef “Pop” Garza. The day wrapped with everyone coming together, civilians and Veterans alike, to share a meal and to share our stories.
CCR is looking forward to hosting more Hero Hunts with MWSF. The next event is tentatively scheduled for the Fall 2017. Hero Hunt offers the challenging outdoor activities and social interaction that build bonds, acceptance and encouragement our wounded warriors deserve.
U.S. Army MSG Daniel Robles eagerly anticipates the next Hero Hunt and had the following words to share with the CCR family. “I would like to say thank you to everyone one out at Chili Canyon Ranch. Your hospitality and generosity was greatly appreciated. We look forward to bringing out our Heroes!”
If you are interested in being a part of the next event, contact Chili Canyon Ranch. If you would like to support these amazing heroes and their families, contact U.S. Army MSG Daniel Robles at www.militarywarriors.org.
On behalf of the CCR Family, we want to thank US Army MSG Daniel Robles from MWSF and our distinguished guests. It was an honor to meet Dan, Jose, Raphael, and Freddy, and their families. We look forward to a continued relationship with Military Warriors and the Foundation.
God Bless our Troops and our Veterans.
– The Chili Canyon Ranch Family
