Veteran 3 9 2017

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VOL. 5/ISSUE 18

THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 2017

Annual Fun Shoot hits target for vets Mary Kemper STAFF WRITER

mkemper@veteranvoiceweekly.com

Photo by Phil Galdys

On a brisk and breezy March 4, 180 gun enthusiasts, along with hundreds of their families and friends, and patriotic supporters came out to South Florida Shooting Range in Palm City to cheer on the competitors. The strong winds didn’t deter the shooters in the slightest. “If anything, it helped my score,” one competitor was heard to joke. This year marked the 6th annual Sporting Clay Fun Shoot sponsored by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1041 in Sewall’s Point. It’s their major fundraiser, and this year, they exceeded their target and raised close to $50,000. According to member Jim Meehan, $20,000 goes straight into the chapter’s Rapid Response Fund. “We help veterans who need money for rent, their light bill, anything they need,” he said.

“The remaining funds will be distributed around Martin County, wherever it can help.” The chapter works with Tony Reese, Martin County Veteran Services Officer, to distribute the funds as widely and fairly as possible. Back the shooting range, competitors enjoyed a barbecue buffet, and took part in an auction filled with dozens of items. “We have rifles, shotguns, handguns, fishing equipment, a (large) map of Vietnam, tools, a TV set, buckets of booze, a sculpture, a smoker, and even a mystery box,” Meehan said. When asked if the dicey weather might have caused a cancellation, Meehan laughed. “Heck, no,” he said. “We would all be out here in ponchos if we had to.” VVA 1041’s annual Fun Shoot

proceeds also help fund its other initiatives, which, besides the Rapid Response Fund, include the Veteran Transportation Initiative — providing van transport to medical appointments at West Palm Beach VA — and its Veteran Employment Initiative and Veteran Scholarship Fund. Additionally, the chapter sends care packages overseas to troops serving in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. To learn more about VVA 1041’s Fun Shoot and its other initiatives, visit vva1041.org.

See more images from the event on page 9


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