Humbled
Humbled, we’ve been looking through pictures taken at a very special event that Certified Hereford Beef was able to participate in, and that is the word most fitting of our sentiment. If you look up “humbled” in a dictionary you will find it means to mark modesty in behavior or attitude, and to show deferential or submissive respect. How else do you describe being in the presence of American soldiers? Humbling, to see the effervescence of life from our war scarred veterans who have given more for our freedom than you and I will ever be asked to give! I am so proud to be a part of an organization who recognizes that we can’t do what we do without our military men and women that stand on a line and say evil will not pass.
It’s funny how things work out. A couple of months ago, my brother and I were strolling through a hunter’s extravaganza looking over the exhibits- guided dove hunts to Costa Rica (the 15th guy booked gets a free trip), the latest in hunting upgrades for your utv or atv (the equivalent of Barbie’s for boys), and waiting for the next rattlesnake demonstration to start, when we encountered a group named Trinity Oaks. I had recently learned of this non-profit organization while doing some research on where to donate our feral hog meat to help food banks. Trinity Oaks has a processing plant that benefits food banks and charitable organizations, and we just happened to walk up on their booth. Everyone we met that day was the salt of the Earth and their mission is simple, “To take what we have been given and give back to make a difference in the lives of others.” That statement goes hand in hand with the stewardship practiced by owners of Hereford’s all across the United States, so it wasn’t long before Certified Hereford Beef had the opportunity to partner with Trinity Oaks to give back and say thanks to some outright real American heroes.
Trinity Oaks uses hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities to help others- including those in need, youth, and the honoring of our veterans. They recently provided a fishing/hunting opportunity for several veterans from across America and allowed Certified Hereford Beef through Jake’s Finer Foods to cook some tender, flavorful Hereford steaks and hamburgers for this well-deserved group. This gave CHB the opportunity to personally thank some of our country’s best and bravest in person for their sacrifices.
The event took place at the East Wildlife Foundation, El Sauz Ranch, in Port Mansfield, Texas. The veterans were treated like the freedom-stars they are. Without going into detail, just know that many of these veterans are dealing with incredible adversity and are still putting on a smile while living their lives. The stories told by members of the group are hilarious, yet sobering. Like the one about a veteran who has a robotic hand with multiple attachments-one that just starts spinning 360 degrees when he feels like you’re being too boring, then apologizes to you and says, “my bad” with a smile when it gets your attention. Or, realizing just how tough the guys are, hearing how one guy planked 50 yards with gear and a useless leg to get closer to his Nilgai bull, and not once complained even though it was obvious he was in pain, shows the character these men are made of and the tremendous ability in their hearts. It certainly puts into perspective the trivial things we in our daily lives consider monumental nuisances, and just how much we have to be thankful for as Americans.
The veterans participated in a week of fishing, skeet shooting, dove hunting, and the opportunity to harvest a Nilgai bull. They were showered with all kinds of thank-you’s, including a certificate for the ordering of their own Ruger custom hunting rifle, and numerous other gifts donated by companies expressing their gratitude. But, the most impressive was the who’s who that came out to personally help with the event. Country music singer/songwriters Thom Shepard, Roger Creager with his dad Bill Creager, Kyle Park, and Brandon Key, along with 9-Time UFC Welterweight Champion Matt Hughes, and Mr. Whitetail, Larry Weishuhn. They all spent time getting to know these veterans, performing, entertaining, and going out on hunts to guide with them.
Certified Hereford Beef extends its appreciation and thanks to Trinity Oaks for allowing us to help with their mission of honoring our veterans, and we look forward to participating in more events in the future. It’s hard to know where you are going without knowing where you’ve been, and it’s even harder to realize just how great this country is and all she encompasses without embracing those brave men and women that defend her. Remember this quote from USMC Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, “It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag.” All too true!
If you would like to learn more about Trinity Oaks and how you can help them with their mission you can check out their website at www.trinityoaks.org.
Also, a special welcome back and Amen for safe travels to Dustin Moore, who is back home from deployment in Afghanistan. We at CHB are proud as ever for all our family and friends who have served and continue to serve!
Keep Rolling,
LB
Eye of the White Face 