Recovering Soldiers compete in 2012 Lone Star Wounded Warrior Skeet Shoot

By Lee Roberts

RIO MEDINA, Texas (Sept. 22, 2012) – Soldiers recovering at San Antonio Medical Center on Fort Sam Houston participated today in the 2012 Lone Star Wounded Warrior Skeet Shoot.  Lone Star Radiator, volunteers and event sponsors teamed up to supply America’s heroes with free skeet, barbecue, lots of patriotism and support for their recovery.

About a dozen Wounded Warriors took part in the friendly competition, but the victor’s story of overcoming adversity transcended the event itself.

Spc. Kevin Trimble, who lost both of his legs and left arm in an improvised explosive device explosion in Afghanistan in September 2011, inspired everyone with

Spc. Kevin Trimble competes during the Lone Star Wounded Warrior Skeet Shoot in Rio Medina, Texas Sept. 22, 2012. (Photo by Lee Roberts)
Wounded Warrior

his expert marksmanship, courage in victory, and strength in the face of adversity.

“Sometimes it seems like you’re kind of all alone in this, or it’s just the people who you know (have) been there and done that, and then you get events like this and it’s like – you know – that you realize that there is more people out there that actually think about it and care about what is going on,” Trimble said.

This is the third year Lone Star Radiator organized and recruited sponsors and volunteers to provide this outdoor activity for the Wounded Warriors to recognize their service and assist them with their recovery.

Daryl Bippert, co-owner of Lone Star Radiator, said it’s everyone’s hope that the Wounded Warriors realize that there are people and companies that truly care about their future. However, he added, the sponsors and volunteers also benefited from interacting with the Wounded Warriors

“When you hear their stories it really reinforces how much of an honor and a privilege it is to host this event for these wounded veterans,” Bippert said. “As American companies, we know the importance of giving back to these veterans who have suffered physical disabilities serving their country.”

Veterans Outdoors, a non-profit organization that provides quality hunting, fishing and outdoor related activities to Wounded Warriors, partnered with Lone Star Radiator and assisted with getting the participants to the event.

Eric “Reaper” LaBarge, a retired Soldier and Wounded Warrior himself, represented Veterans Outdoors at the skeet shoot.  He said the Wounded Warriors make huge sacrifices for the country. “But even though they come back wounded and injured and all that stuff, they know it’s not over,” he stressed.

Bippert said Patriotic Defenders, a veteran’s motorcycle club, escorted the veterans to the event, and the Texas Heritage Riders mounted up and posted the colors at the opening ceremony.  Rio Skeet Mobile Skeet Shoots provided skeet services.  He also expressed his gratitude to all the groups, businesses and volunteers that worked behind the scenes to make the day so enjoyable for the Soldiers.

Hospital officials promote activities outside of the hospital for Wounded Warriors because it gets them away from the day-to-day grind of rehabilitation and helps with their recovery.

“I shoot quite a bit, and that’s kind of my getaway from, you know, all the stuff that’s happening,” Trimble said.  “So the chance to do it with friends and people I hang out with is just fun.  It’s a good little escape.”

David Bippert, co-owner of Lone Star Radiator, said the event is special because of the sacrifices these Soldiers have made for all Americans.  “These guys are patriots, they’re heroes” he said.

Lone Star Radiator thanks the following event sponsors:

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Warrior Sponsors

Donation Sponsors

  • John F. Mayberry & Cat De Luna
  • Holzhaus Cattle Company
  • Castroville Rentals – Mike & Gloria Bendele
  • St. Louis Society
  • Mr. Plumber – Charles Sagray
  • Frio Distributing – Mickey Snider
  • Rio Skeet Mobile Skeet Shoots – Craig Russell & Todd Hady

Businesses or individuals interested in being sponsors, donors and volunteers for the skeet shoot in 2013, please call Lone Star Radiator at 210-732-7558.