Honoring those who served 7th annual Dove Hunt 2020
The honor of serving ones country is an honor that about only one percent of our nation holds. This past weekend, four of those men – 3 veterans and one active member – were honored in the closing ceremony of the 7th annual Dove Hunt, sponsored by the D.A.V. Big Spring Chapter 47.
The 7th Annual Dove Hunt honored Sgt. Deon R. Mealing of Big Spring; Petty Officer Dustin N. Cripe of Midland; Army veteran Charles Limer and Tomas Martinez of Georgia.
The Cross Roads Young Marines took part in the opening ceremony and posted the colors as the honorees were recognized.
“We are here to honor these men for their service,” DAV Commander Ed Meiser said. “We appreciate each and every one of you, and we hope you take away from this weekend something that will benefit you for the rest of your life and that you will remember.”
The four honorees were treated to a two night stay on an exclusive ranch, and dove hunt, special parties in recognition of their service along with catered lunch and dinners, and will receive an oryx hunt, which were all made possible through donations from the community.
“The honorees were able to spend time together on an exclusive ranch, do some bonding and get rid of some demons,” Mike Tarpley, DAV Vice Commander and organizer of the Dove Hunt, said.
Each honoree received a plethora of gifts, from a DAV hat, new engraved rifle and case, personalized cooler bag, goodie bags with gift cards and hunting items, American flags that have flown over the Texas Capital and United States capital, hunting knife, unique welded desk décor, a copy of the book Tiger Bravo's War, and personalized signs, certificates and artwork.
Before the ceremony concluded, Mike Tarpley presented each of the honorees with a Quilt of Valor, as a representation of gratitude and honor.
“We know freedom is not free. The cost of freedom is the sacrifice of lives of great men and women like you,” Tarpley said. “This quilt is meant to say thank you for your sacrifice; to offer great comfort to you although your family and friends can't be with you at all times you are forever in our thoughts and hearts.”
Tarpley draped each of the honorees with the handmade quilt, in a special presentation before the
conclusion of the ceremony and invited each of those attending to come and lay a hand on the quilt while sharing their appreciation to the veterans and service member.
“I want each one of you to come by and touch the quilt so they can take each of you with them,” Tarpley said.
After the Quilts of Valor were presented, each honoree had a moment to share their reflections from the weekend and the joy it brought to their hearts.
“It was an incredible weekend for me; I say that because throughout my entire career I have never experienced the love and support from both my family and friends that I have experienced this weekend,” Martinez said. “Still serving we don’t get a lot of thank you’s and I appreciate all that you have done this weekend.”
Sincere gratitude was echoed from each of the veterans as they reflected on the event filled weekend. The amount of love and support made an impact on each of their lives. The amount of energy and heart that was put into the weekend was evident.
“Getting to bond with these three gentlemen came at a great time and helped tremendously,” Cripe said. “I was able to unplug, unwind and get my head on right and I will be ever grateful for that. To be part of a brotherhood now, part of a community that I wasn’t born and raised here is pretty outstanding. I look
forward to being part of this for as long as you will have me, in whatever facet you need sir.”
As Limer delivered the final sentiments for the evening, he extended the deepest appreciation to each and everyone who made the weekend possible.
“As a Vietnam Veteran we didn’t get the notoriety that they get now. We were spit on, called names …. we just kind of put the war behind us and tried to move on. What you do, for showing us the appreciation, it’s humbling. I just don’t know how to say Thank You enough.”
The weekend honoring the veterans was put together through numerous volunteered man hours which totaled almost $70,000.
“It is truly unbelievable how everyone comes together and the support they provide for us and this event,” Commander Meiser said.
In addition to the recognition of the four veterans, the DAV announced the winner, Tony Foster, of the recent firepit donation which brought in almost $5,000 to the local chapter. The monies raised will be used throughout the community to serve veterans who are in need of support.