Airguns helped me help them....

Hey Guys and Gals,

Dr. Mike here.... I have been asked more than a few times why I buy and sell so many of the same gun (FX Impacts, Crowns....etc.).

Well as I am sure you can guess by my signature, I am a Doctor, vascular specifically.

On my floor at the hospital a few years ago a volunteer we had over heard a chat me and another Doc were having about an upcoming hunting trip...He mentioned he missed being in the woods and huntings and shooting but due to his military service loud noises (gun shots specifically) trigger his PTSD.

When me and my buddies headed out the next weekend we brought a few airguns along (who wouldn't)!! While we were in camp we would have competitions with them (split a card, bottle caps etc.). One of the new guys who came along commented on how quiet they were and was amazed at the power they had and why don't we ever do an airgun only hunt.

A few weeks later we headed out with only airguns and had a great three day trip and on the last day as we were breaking camp someone commented that the volunteers were cycling out next week and he wanted to plan a little thank you lunch for them....I don't know why it never popped into my mind prior but as soon as he said that I thought about the PTSD comment.

The next day I approached the intern and asked him about coming out and letting me show him some airguns and do some shooting...Now he took that to mean a Red Ryder and 500 BB's. When I explained PCP airguns he was a bit hesitant since he was unsure on the noise level etc. I convinced him to give it a try and got him behind the trigger of my Impact and he had earplugs in etc. and could tell he was very nervous but one squeeze of the trigger and he was HOOKED!!

Took him out on his first hunt in years and he was like a kid in a candy store!!! Just snowballed from there and now we have a group of 20 or so PTSD diagnosed Veterans we get back out in the woods to hunt and shoot (best therapy there is in my opinion). Airguns gave these guys a way to get back out and enjoy the outdoors and do what they grew up doing and what they love, without the noise etc. that is a huge trigger for most of them.

It is hard to beat seeing the look on their faces and hearing the stories and learning from their experiences (I have learned TEN fold more from them than they have from me I am SURE) all because of an airgun......

Nope me and the couple other Docs who do this are not funded or sponsored in ANY way....Every penny is out of pocket but I look at it more as an investment.....Educations don't come cheap and that is what I get EVERY time I get the pleasure of getting out in the woods with them.

Stay Safe,

Dr. Mike 






 
Thanks for caring and sharing your experiences with the ones that it means the most to because "all" veterans have given some and some have given all. I spent some time in Thailand in 1974 thru 1975 and when I came back to the states, I had a few problems. The only thing that took my mind off of some of the things that I experienced while I was there was a little time spent with an air rifle. It's been a great form of therapy and it's not always about taking the life of a living creature but rather just punching a few holes in paper. Thanks for caring enough to share with someone that truly appreciates you for being the person that you are. 
 
Dr. Mike..... Just WOW!

What a wonderful story! Thank You so much for all you are doing to help our veterans get back to some kind of normal. We all owe our veterans so much more than we can ever give them. It touches my heart that you make the time to give of yourself to help them!

Chip

Chip, when I came back home, normal wasn't normal anymore and it never will be again. There're some things that we will never forget and that's why I love this country because of our liberties that most people take for granted.


 
All THANK YOU so much for the great responses!!

I honestly was not expecting to hear from anyone....SO glad I did!!

You have all made a tough day of being a Doc so much better!!

To all those who have served and know the effects of PTSD remember someone is on your side and ALWAYS willing to listen....Don't EVER forget that!

Much appreciated all and humbly, thank you!

Stay Safe,

Dr. Mike