THE MISSION

Our Mission

HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundation was started to show that physically challenged people can still work and excel in today's society and military. The foundation emphasizes that "amputee" and "useless" are not synonymous. The organization provides support for wounded warriors as they face the many challenges they encounter during the rehabilitation, reintegration, and healing process.

Humble Beginnings

Based on a simple idea, the first Wounded Warrior Hog Hunt was held in the fall of 2007 with 10 wounded warriors and 70 volunteers. Dana hit the rural streets to find a place to have the hunt, and several people stepped up and provided the venue. Dana Bowman was able to secure $7500.00 in donations to accomplish the task. Dana and Ken Tucker started cutting metal and welding up several stands that would be used by the warriors to hunt hogs and coyotes. Several dog teams from West Texas joined us, along with a chuck wagon chef. The pre hunt get together was held in Dana's living room and the following morning the teams set out before sunrise. In the end 4 hogs were harvested and the Warriors, staff and volunteers parted ways as friends. Back in 2007 we were just a humble group of caring people that wanted to give back to the Veterans that had been injured fighting for us. We always felt we could do more......

The Next Step

As the months passed Dana wanted this idea to grow into something much larger. Something were we could help many more wounded warriors. Finally in 2012 after many hurdles were crossed and much paperwork was filled out and filed, HALO for Freedom Warrior Foundation was born. The first HALO event was an ambitious hog hunt that included several helicopters, four wheelers, dog teams, vintage aircraft , automatic weapons, earth moving equipment, incredible food, and 100+ volunteers. We were honored with the attendance of 2 Tuskegee airmen, and Medal of Honor recipient, Leroy Petry. Leroy was tandem jumped it the grand opening ceremonies. A spectacular time was had by everyone and Texas was rid of quit a few destructive feral hogs.

 2012 hog hunt photos &  Videos    

Moving Forward

In 2013, after many long months of preparation and knocking on doors (so to speak), the first annual Weekend to Remember was put together. 32 wounded veterans were brought together from across the country to enjoy a weekend filled of fun, laughter, camaraderie, and memories. The wounded veterans participated in driving NASCARs, Indy 2000 and anti terrorist Cars, Tandem skydiving into Texas Motor Speedway, riding in helicopters, competing in a three gun shoot, and lastly the weekend was capped off with a Gala and auction co-sponsored by Ride 2 Recovery held at the Frontiers of Flight museum.
When you look at the photos and videos of this event you will agree that a picture is truly worth a thousand words.

  WTR 2013 Photos & Videos

Years to come

2014 and 2015 were also memorable. the 2nd and 3rd annual weekends to remember were again a huge success, bringing more wounded veterans into the area and participating in similar activities of the 1st annual Weekend to Remember. Warrior from across the country were once again brought in to participate with special guest that included several Medal of Honor recipients. The weekends were filled with shooting activities, skydiving, concerts, bow fishing, a western-themed gala, and much more. To see the warriors in action at the 2nd and 3rd annual Weekend to Remember, click the links below.

2014 WTR Photos & Videos

How You Can Help

Invest in the healing and recovery of our service men and women by getting involved in our organization as a sponsor, donor, or volunteer. The time or money you donate will have a lasting positive effect on the lives of our disabled veterans. Help us lift their spirits and let them know that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.