There were a lot of experienced shooters among the 176 men and women who immersed themselves in the sport during the third annual Clay Shoot at Vero Beach Clay Shooting Sports to benefit the Veterans Council of Indian River County.
The group of shooters and supporters gathered in the early morning, breakfasting on a spread by Wild Thyme Catering, who also provided lunch during the awards ceremony, before some brief comments and instructions.
“The money that we raise directly impacts veterans’ lives in Indian River County,” said Cynthia Ryan, VCIRC executive director, after thanking sponsors, board volunteers and supporters.
“Our main focus is direct aid. With that, I mean we help veterans with a mortgage payment, rent payment, a car payment, or a home repair that they couldn’t afford on their own. Maybe they need a handicap accessible upgrade to their house. We also do transportation.”
Additionally, Ryan noted that the Veterans Council coordinates the Veterans Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies at Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary.
“But all of that is only possible because of you. And so we thank you,” said Ryan. “If there’s a veteran that you know that can use services, please reach out to the Veterans Council. If you’re a veteran that can use some assistance, some guidance, resources, that’s what we’re here for. Give us a call.”
“Thank you for the support you give because it really does go to all of our veterans in Indian River County,” said Father Dave Newhart, board chairman, reiterating thanks for everyone’s support.
“And not just what Cynthia said, because we’re like a hub and spoke. If we can’t help you, we will find somebody who can. And we will make sure you get there because we do believe – no one left behind. We are there to support all of our veterans.”
Bill Skully, an instructor at Vero Beach Clay Shooting Sports, provided the safety briefing, from reminding the experienced shooters to assist the newer shooters in their foursomes, to always carrying their guns open and empty, loading them only when ready to call for targets, and even being careful with the speedy golf carts they needed to borrow to handle the sold-out crowd.
Skully explained that the 44 teams would be traveling by golf cart to 22 different stations, where each person would shoot at two clay targets coming out, either simultaneously or on a report.
“You have a wonderful time out there,” said Skully. “Shoot safe. Shoot straight.”
Ryan said the nonprofit Veterans Council collaborates with some 25 organizations, taking a more holistic approach to not only provide direct aid but also to refer veterans to a network of resources and nonprofits. She added that their main source of veterans needing assistance is from fellow veterans who refer them.
VCIRC programs include: Upward American Veterans, providing emergency basic living expenses when other sources of support are not available; Veterans Helping Veterans, assisting with basic home improvements; Veterans Transportation, offering non-emergency bus service to the VA Hospital in West Palm Beach and to some local medical appointments; and Veterans in the Classroom, teaching students about respect for the nation, flag honors, military service and citizenship.
Additionally, Tony Young was on hand to provide information about fundraising efforts to construct a World War II Monument on Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary consisting of a reviewing stand for ceremonies and a tribute to various WWII campaigns to link with the cenotaphs – the “Soul of the Island.”
Funds are being routed through the Cultural Council of Indian River County.
For more information, visit HelpIRCVets.org or call 772-410-5820. To contribute to the memorial, visit Cultural-Council.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
