Trail ride Saturday for Overton veteran

Bobbie and Tommy Guinn

A benefit trailride will be held Saturday, March 31, at Tarrant Ranch near Bullard. The ride is sponsored by local equestrians and the Adopt a Soldier Now organization. The recipient is Tommy Guinn of Overton.

Guinn was injured while doing relief work for the U.S. Army in Pakistan in March of 2006. Staff Sergeant Guinn was knocked off the top of his Chinook helicopter by a sudden rotating blade, falling 20 ft to concrete and landing on his head. The accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. He and his family are in need of a handicapped accessible home.

East Texan G. T. Smith read about Guinn's needs and contacted the Adopt-A-Soldier Now organization.

According to Smith, our veterans have been neglected when they return home from service especially when they have endured injury.

"Well, we are the government. We are the people. We will get it done." Smith said. "The injured veterans have given far more than we would want to."

The non-profit organizaton Adopt-A-Soldier Now was founded by flight attendant Janet Brady after her son was killed while in military service.

Troup Ag students put their skills to good use recently by planting a tree and a shrub for David Jenkinson. "I have become ill and unable to do certain things," said Mr. Jenkinson, whose wife contacted the Ag club. "These fine young people showed up and did the job in no time."

The organization provides support for deployed and wounded U.S. soldiers and will be registering trailriders Saturday morning beginning at 8 a.m.

The day's schedule of events includes registration; trailride at 9:30 a.m.; concession stand for lunch; presentation of donations to Sergeant Guinn; afternoon trailride; supper; and a pasture dance in the evening under the stars.

There are lots of lakes, ponds, small waterfalls, woods, open ground, and hills for the riders to enjoy, said Smith.

"Thanks to everyone who is taking to heart the opportunity we have to help some of these veterans," he said. "The ride is great, but it is with a cause."

One hundred percent of all proceeds will go to help build a home for Guinn and his family.

A cowboy church service will be held Sunday, April 1, at 9:30 a.m. at the "myster y" springs on Tarrant Ranch.

Admission to the ranch is $20 per person when preregistered and $25 at the gate.

Pets are not allowed on the trailride and must wear a leash while on the property. Horse containment is the rider's responsibility: hot wire, panels, trailer-tied, picket line, etc. A negative Coggins for the horses is mandatory to enter the ranch.

Directions to Tarrant Ranch are Hwy 69S past the intersection of FM344 in Bullard, TX. Go about 1 mile and turn right on County Rd. 3701. Turn right at the end of the pavement. A sign and gate are on the left. Follow signs to the campground.

For more information and to preregister email vickymusick@ HallmarkMusick.com or call 903 520-5017.

Donations may be made to the Tommy Guinn Fund at any Citizens National Bank in East Texas. To make a tax deductible donation or to inquire about adopting a soldier, contact Brady at adoptasoldiernow@ mac.com or call 405 326-9031.