Donations

Howard “Shane” Briel
Olympia WA
December 23, 2014

The purpose of my correspondence today is to personally thank all those who sponsored, supported or in any way touched the MAD Outdoors Event held 19-21 December 2014 at Tejon Ranch. Your efforts made my hunting experience a tremendous success and I’m truly grateful for your extreme generosity and overall good nature.

Who am I? I am a retired Sergeant Major from the United States Army. I retired after 25 years and 3 days of service. I served two combat tours (Desert Shield/Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom III) and received a variety of medals which include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart just to name a few. I sustained injuries on 21 December 2004 when a suicide bomber detonated himself in the Mess Hall located on Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, Iraq. I sustained multiple life threatening injuries and would spend over a year and a half in the hospital and an additional three years of physical therapy. During my time in the hospital I underwent approximately 30 plus surgeries, the bulk of which were for my left hip and my stomach which was blown open. Ultimately I would receive a prosthetic hip joint.  My leg (which remained disconnected for over six months) would end up with a very limited range of motion and a leg length difference of almost two inches. My journey was long and I was fortunate to have a wonderful and supportive family, not mention wonderful and supportive friends.

I don’t mention these things for sympathy or thanks, I mention them because I want those who supported this event to understand the kind of people organizations like MAD Outdoors supports. If it weren’t for this organizations success, I would not have been presented with this very memorable pig hunt. I stand humbled by everyone’s generosity. The people I met were inspirational, caring, kind and full of good American values. I’m especially grateful to have shared this experience with other disabled Veterans. MAD Outdoors cared enough to reach out to Veterans enabling us to share our unique stories in a safe and welcoming environment. We laughed and we hunted but most of all… we bonded. The people I met will always share a special place in my heart.

If you donated time, money, land, equipment, your ranch, food or any other items which made this event possible, thank you. Words alone do not adequately express my sincere gratitude. I wish I could personally shake everyone’s hand and look you in the eye as I say those words. I hope this letter adequately conveys my sincerity and gratitude. The volunteers associated with this event should be proud of MAD Outdoors and all they accomplished. God Bless and thank you.