Trail ride set to help veteran
A benefit trail ride will be held Saturday, March 31, at Tarrant Ranch near Bullard.

Guinn and wife

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 rotat- -ting blade, falling 20 feet 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 organization Adopt a Soldier Now was founded by flight attendant Janet Brady after her son was killed while in military service.

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

The day's schedule of events includes registration; trail ride at 9:30 a.m.; concession stand for lunch; presentation of donations to Sergeant Guinn; afternoon trail ride; 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 "mystery" springs on Tarrant Ranch.

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

Pets are not allowed on the trail ride 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 69 South past the intersection of FM 344 in Bullard, TX. Go about one 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 pre-register for the event, email vickymusick@Hall markMusick.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 Janet Brady at adoptasoldiernow@ mac.com or call 405 326-9031.