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G
IVING
B
ACK
I
’m starting to understand the contributions I can make to others. I
realize that I can be a complete man—taking care of my family and
helping in a small way to take care of others.
Marcus Luttrell started an organization called Lone Survivor
Foundation. It gets some of our wounded warriors out of the
hospital and into situations where they can enjoy themselves a little.
After being wounded in Afghanistan, Marcus said he healed twice
as fast at his mom’s ranch than he had in the hospital. Something
about the open air and being able to roam around naturally helped
the process. That’s one of the inspirations for his foundation, and
it’s become one of my guiding principles as I try to do my small
share.
share.
I’ve gotten together with some people I know around Texas
who have ranches and asked if they could donate their places for a
few days at a time. They’ve been more than generous. We’ve had
small groups of servicemen disabled in the war come in and spend
time there hunting, shooting guns on a range, or just hanging out.
The idea is to have a good time.
I should mention that my friend Kyle—the same guy who was a
driving force behind getting Craft afloat—is also extremely patriotic
and supportive of the troops. He graciously allows us to use his
beautiful Barefoot Ranch for many of our retreats for the wounded
troops. Rick Kell and David Feherty’s organization, Troops First,
also works with Craft to help as many wounded guys as we can.
Hell, I’ve had a bunch of fun myself. We go hunting a couple of
times a day, shoot a few rounds on the range, then at night trade
stories and beers.
It’s not so much the war stories as the funny stories that you
remember. Those are the ones that affect you. They underline the
resilience of these guys—they were warriors in the war, and they
take that same warrior attitude into dealing with their disabilities.
As you’d expect if I’m involved, there’s a lot of bustin’ going on
back and forth, giving each other hell. I don’t always get the last
laugh, but I do take my shots. The first time I had some of them out
to one of the ranches, I took them out on the back porch before we
started shooting and gave them a little orientation.
“All right,” I told them, picking up my rifle, “since none of you
are SEALs, I better give you some background. This here is a
trigger.”
“Screw you, Squid!” they shouted, and we had a good time
from there on out, pushing each other and making fun.
W
hat wounded veterans don’t need is sympathy. They need to be
treated like the men they are: equals, heroes, and people who still
have tremendous value for society.
If you want to help them, start there.
In a funny way, bustin’ back and forth shows more respect than
asking “Are you okay?” in a sickly sweet voice.
We’ve only just begun, but we’ve had good enough success that
the hospitals are very cooperative. We’ve been able to expand the
program to include couples. We’re aiming to do maybe two retreats
a month going forward.
Our work has gotten me thinking bigger and bigger. I wouldn’t
mind doing a reality hunting show with these guys—I think it could
inspire a lot of other Americans to really give back to their veterans
and their present military families.
Helping each other out—that’s America.
I think America does a lot to support people. That’s great for
those truly in need. But I also think we create dependency by giving
money to those who don’t want to work, both in other countries
and our own. Help people help themselves—that’s the way it
should be.
I’d like us to remember the suffering of those Americans who
were injured serving this country before we dole out millions to
slackers and moochers. Look at the homeless: a lot are vets. I think
we owe them more than just our gratitude. They were willing to sign
a blank check for America, with the cost right up to their life. If they
were willing to do that, why shouldn’t we be taking care of them?
I’m not suggesting we give vets handouts; what people need are
hand-ups—a little opportunity and strategic help.
One of the wounded vets I met at the ranch retreats has an idea
to help homeless vets by helping build or renovate housing. I think
it’s a great idea. Maybe this house won’t be where they live
forever, but it’ll get them going.
Jobs, training—there’s an enormous amount that we can do.
I know some people will say that you’ll have a bunch just taking
advantage. But you deal with that. You don’t let it ruin things for
everyone.
There’s no reason someone who has fought for their country
should be homeless or jobless.
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