Over 200 Veterans came out to participate in a ceremony to mark the start of a Veteran Oryx Hunt Oct. 18 at the White Sands Missile Range Tularosa Base Camp.
Veterans honored during oryx hunt event
Over 200 Veterans came out to participate in a ceremony to mark the start of a Veteran Oryx Hunt Oct. 18 at the White Sands Missile Range Tularosa Base Camp.
This weekend is a scheduled oryx hunt on the range for Veterans.
Gilbert Villegas, WSMR Hunt Administrator, said his father served in the U.S. Marines, and this was his way to honor Veterans.
“This is the way I pay it forward,” Villegas said. “I try to do my best to show my appreciation. I want to make sure I acknowledge each one of you.”
Villegas thanked the 54th Fighter Group out of Holloman Air Force Base for starting the day off with a flyover.
“What a start to your hunt, with two F-16’s doing a flyover.”
Villegas also acknowledged special guest, Ella Vistine, who sang the national anthem.
Veteran and hunter Enrique Rel said it is wonderful that they organized the event.
“It means a lot to me especially because I am considered terminally ill, and I get to do a last hunt of my life.”
Present at the ceremony were WSMR Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Cordery and New Mexico State Senator Crystal Brantley.
Cordery welcomed all the Veterans who showed up for the hunt and thanked Villegas and the entire team for putting the event together.
“I had the chance to walk the line (of vehicles lined up to enter the range) and talk to some of you,” Cordery said. “I’m humbled to be out here today. It is truly an honor to have you out here at White Sands Missile Range over this weekend and I wish you all the best of luck.”
Brantley also welcomed the Veterans to the oryx hunt.
“What an honor to spend the day with Veterans,” Brantley said. “It is an honor to spend this day with the few who fought for the rights and the freedoms that allow the rest of us to enjoy our way of life. Thank you on behalf of all New Mexicans.”
She also thanked the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and all the agencies involved in the oryx hunt.
Miriam Rodriguez
WSMR Public Affairs