Less than 5% of the American population have taken the military oath, to serve our nation. That oath is protects the remaining 95%. Our veterans have my deepest respect.
This year, 2023, was our 5th annual Veteran Event. However, we had some firsts and honestly a great crew. We had our first female veteran, from Illinois. We had 2 veterans from Tennessee, and 4 from Iowa. Each year, I say is better than than the last...and this year is no different. I can't remember laughing so much, having such deep conversations, and having my own faith restored in the humbleness within so many of our incredible veterans.
We had a few small hiccups this year with volunteer schedule conflicts, so we were seriously short staffed, but we made it work. Those that were here, picked up the loose ends and I am forever grateful!! The first day is always a bit chaotic. All our veterans come in, we get the lodging organized, go over what's available for the weekend and have the evening meal. For a couple of years, we have supplied pizza and that seems to be well received. It's a little to grab as everyone is getting acquainted and settled in. It's always a little nerve wracking to meet new veterans, and their guests. It's just as curious for the new veterans to meet us. We don't put on a show. What you see is what you get. Most that come for our hunt are fascinated with the farm life, the animals, and are happy but humble getting to participate. Just as we are humbled during the organizing that happens for a year to make this great for our veterans.
During our event weekend, we have a very flexible schedule. We have fishing available in the mornings, and hunting in the afternoons - but we leave participation at the desecration of our veterans.They can sleep in if they wish, fish, sit around the farm and relax, or whatever their hearts wish. We have breakfast and lunch provided everyday they are here. The evening meals are provided once everyone comes in, in the evenings. The Friday evening is always the big night. We invite all the local businesses, sponsors, donors, Dept. of Conservation Reps, and even state Reps to attend to meet the group each year. We provide a meal, DJ, and lots of fun conversations.
This year, most of our veterans chose to sleep in or hunt only. Breakfasts were mostly indoors in waves. Even a few naps were taken on our sofa and recliners. There was a lot of visiting too. My husband smoked pork for the Friday evening meal, my brother cooked burgers and brats for Saturday evening. My daughter, and daughter-in-laws, sister-in-law, niece and I did a lot of prep work on Wednesday and Thursday. Our adopted Mom of the group did all the desserts this year. We had my husband, my father-in-laws, our sons and and my brother helping put up blinds, get people to there and taking them down. After a year or two of having a pretty strict schedule, we found that it is better and more relaxing for our veterans to keep things flexible. We work around their needs and wants. The hunters were able to get 3 deer in Iowa this year. We had a pretty good storm roll through on Saturday but it didn't dampen the spirits and the hunters were excited to get out to their blinds. Each year, the final day varies. Many take off by about noon, some stick around to hunt longer. This year, was no different.
We have had a great partnership, that has allowed us to keep moving forward. T.I.O. has helped with so many areas, and we can not thank them enough. Having the ability to get quality feedback, experience and sometimes even a sounding board has been hugely beneficial to keep making each year better and better. Their entire crew is supportive, with the similar beliefs and guides that we believe.
This year, as we did last, we had an quilt donated to raffle off to one of our veterans. This year's winner was one of our Iowa Veterans. We also had 3 tactical belts donated by great friends to raffle for the veterans, 2 were going to Iowa and 1 one to Tennessee. Each of our Veterans received a coffee mug, a veteran key chain, and a t-shirt. They will also receive photos from the weekend. Each of our volunteers has also received t-shirts. I believe we even had enough for my husband and I this year.
As you can imagine, there is a lot of work that goes into the organization of an event like this. I have already begun for next year. We have a few areas to look at from this year, to improve but we always look for those to make the following years better. I will get through the areas of concern this week, and move on to next year's planning. We have already set the dates for 2024, have several helpers that have stepped up, and have already began on the donations for the event.
We are truly grateful and blessed to be able to host this event every year. We have incredible support from our partner group and the communities, as well as many individuals that step up and help out where they can.
Another successful event is on record, and we look forward to 2024 being even better yet!
Salli
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