25Jun

Fifth Annual Red Cross Sporting Clays Invitational: Raising awareness and funds for the Service to Armed Forces program that serves those who serve our nation.

by: cowyredcross Donor Stories‚ Mile High Area‚ Service to Armed Forces Comment off
Fifth Annual American Red Cross Sporting Clays Invitational, Elbert Colorado. Photo by Carol Lowell/American Red Cross Volunteer

Story by Kate Walters/Red Cross Volunteer

Elbert, Colorado, Saturday, June 22, 2019 – The American Red Cross hosted the fifth annual Sporting Clays Invitational last Saturday, June 22, in Elbert, Colorado. It was a day-long event held at the Peaceful Valley Scout Ranch at the Travis Family Sporting Clays Facility. Funds raised will go to support the Service to Armed Forces (SAF) program in Colorado and Wyoming, helping members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service.

Red Cross volunteer Tonya Lausten oversees a shooting station. Photo by Kate Walters/American Red Cross Volunteer

Although the temperature was well below average, the turnout certainly was not. Forty participants donned sport vests, coats, hats and loaded up rifles and ammunition. They jumped into golf carts and hurried around to 15 stations manned by 23 Red Cross volunteers. There, teams were challenged to follow the trajectory of a clay disc, take aim, and shatter the disc. Shooters ranged from high-schoolers to retirees. Some were having their first experience out on the range; others were sharing from their decades-worth of knowledge in the art of shooting. All were enjoying the energizing fresh air and inspiring surroundings of Colorado’s majestic outdoor environment. One participant said he was excited to bring his son out for a great day of shooting and at the same time show him the value what the Red Cross does for our military.

Teams take practice shots before the main event. Photo by Carol Lowell/American Red Cross Volunteer

Piping hot breakfast burritos and coffee were served on the brisk morning before the activity began. Snacks and drinks were delivered to participants throughout the event. Freshly cooked meats and vegetables and delectable salads and desserts along with ice cold beer were offered to hungry shooters after a full morning of competition by Tucanos Brazilian Grill thanks to the sponsorship of the El Pomar Foundation.

Thomas Gonzalez, Executive Director
American Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado gives details before the event. Photo by David Hayden/American Red Cross Volunteer

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their generous donation to the Service to Armed Forces (SAF) program of the American Red Cross.

Monarch Investment and Management Group

Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.

Wildman/Steiner

Christian P. Anschutz Foundation

GE Johnson

Xanterra

UCHealth

The Sporting Clays Invitational provides an opportunity to raise awareness of Red Cross programs and services that support our active duty military, their families and veterans supporting them as they prepare for, cope with, and respond to the challenges of military service.

A four legged Red Cross volunteer, Golden Retriever, Lacey Specializing in Service to the Armed Forces, Lacey and owner, Thea Wasche spend countless hours working with service members, wounded warriors and hospital patients. Photo by Cesar Rodriguez/American Red Cross 

Did you know that from the first day of enlistment, service members and their families are eligible for Red Cross assistance? Here is a sample of services provided:

  • VA Hospital Programs provide comfort and build morale.
  • Mind-Body Workshops teach healing techniques
  • Emergency services deliver verified messages during emergencies at home.
  • Specialists provide information and referral services and stay connected with community resources throughout the military career.
  • Programs serve the military community at home and around the world.

For more information about the SAF program that serves those who serve our nation, see the link https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/military-families.html