Fear & Loading: Disabled Teaching Disabled at the Firing Line

by
posted on August 28, 2019
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
hava-travis.jpg

The Learn to Shoot Again (LTSA) division of Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) and the Travis Mills Foundation (TMF) recently completed their first two-day disabled shooter training event at the Boy Scouts of America Camp Bomazeen in Belgrade, Maine. Nine critically injured combat veteran students with various amputations, traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorders attended the course. The LTSA instructors who provided training have a unique perspective on the challenges faced by critically injured warriors, because they are also severely disabled veterans.

“Disabled veterans teaching other disabled veterans that they can still actively participate in outdoor activities like shooting, and that their determination is the key to success are powerful lessons that can mean happiness and fulfillment to these American heroes and their families,” said Tom Taylor, HAVA chairman.

The Travis Mills Foundation, inspired by quadruple amputee, combat veteran and featured speaker Travis Mills, sent participants and volunteers to complete the event cadre, which taught adaptive shooter techniques and life lessons of determination and perseverance. The complimentary messages of LTSA and TMF—which stress disabled veteran active participation and tenacity—is an inspirational lesson that will benefit all disabled veterans at future co-sponsored events. Supported by Operation Hat Trick, SIG Sauer and Academi, Corp, the two charities are planning an active year together in 2020.

HAVA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed by companies in the shooting and outdoor industry with the purpose of raising awareness and further assisting disabled veterans with their healing process through guided hunts, shooting events and other outdoor sports. Sustaining sponsor companies include Smith & Wesson, National Shooting Sports Foundation, SIG Sauer, Academi, Arnold Defense, Crimson Trace, E3 Training, FMG Publications, GLOCK, Hornady, Leapers/UTG, Leupold & Stevens, Mossberg, National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers, Operation Hat Trick, Ruger, Savage, SureFire, Taurus, Vista Outdoor/Federal, XS Sights, and Yamaha Outdoors among numerous contributing companies.

TMF supports post-9/11 recalibrated veterans and their families through long-term programs that help men and women overcome physical obstacles, strengthen families and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation. The Foundation’s message is “Never Give Up. Never Quit.” The organization supports veterans through a nationally recognized retreat located in the Belgrade Lakes region, where those injured on active duty or as a result of their service to our nation—and their families—receive an all-inclusive, all expenses paid, barrier-free vacation. There they have a chance to participate in adaptive activities, bond with other veteran families and enjoy much needed rest and restoration in Maine’s outdoors.

 

Latest

TandemKross Manitcore X
TandemKross Manitcore X

Review: TandemKross Manticore X

In 2024, TandemKross (TK), best known for its high-quality competition upgrades for rimfire platforms, launched the first ever lower-receiver assembly designed for the rimfire Ruger 10/22 platform.

Rifleman Q&A: Surreptitious L.C. Smith

American Rifleman staff recently received the following question about markings on a possible L.C. Smith shotgun. Read what we learned:

USA Clay Target League Breaks Participation Record—Again

The fall season is underway for the USA Clay Target League, and the number of student athletes participating speaks volumes about the growing popularity of shooting sports among high school- and college-age students.

Hunting For The Perfect Partner: Ruger/Dead Air’s Centerfire RXD

The result of a joint venture between two giants of their respective industries, the new RXD30Ti exemplifies just how beneficial a well-designed hunting suppressor can be in the field.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 20, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

AI Summaries Reducing Firearm-Related Web Traffic, Sharing Incorrect Information

"[T]here are increasing concerns about how frequently AI systems invent false information—AKA hallucinations—with error rates in some tests reaching as high as 79 percent.”

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.