S.O.S Hunt luncheon

Terry Johnson, the founder and president of "Show of Support," sat among more than 300 guests Thursday afternoon at a luncheon in Midland just to say a simple "thank you" to 26 wounded veterans.

Five years ago, Johnson had no idea his organization would one day defy state lines when he took two wounded Iraq veterans hunting to show his support for their service in the war. It was a time to relax, hunt and share war stories.

Tomorrow, he will take 26 wounded veterans from all over the country hunting. He said he will take 24 more next month.

When Johnson was asked why he does it, he paused, shook his head and looked at the ground. His countenance suggested there weren't enough words.

"These guys deserve it," bubbled up from Johnson.

He said the banquet and hunt "open up a venue for all these folks to come out and support each other."

And support is why they come.

Veteran Sean Bennett and his wife flew in from Alaska. He said it was great to see all of the soldiers from four corners of the United States at the event, which he found out about online.

"I came to talk to them and see how they feel," Bennett said. Some of them need a lot of support, he said.

"We do it for each other more than anything," he said.

Bennett was one of many to receive "keys to the city" from Midland Mayor Wes Perry. Some veterans leaned on canes and one was in a wheelchair while others displayed severe burns as they all came up to take a key to the West Texas city back home to their corner of the country. 

Donny Daughenbaugh came from Iowa to attend the event.

In 2005, he was shot in the face performing a vehicle search outside of Baghdad. The left side of his jaw had to be reconstructed, but the bullet remains in his brain. Removal may have resulted in further injury or death, he said.

"It really is amazing to see this organization's outpouring of support," he said.

SHOW OF SUPPORT

>> S.O.S started back in 2004 to show appreciation by making outdoor sports possible for wounded veterans. The organization also allows for the veterans to talk, show support for each other and share.  S.O.S also sets up a surprise for the military wives on the day the men hunt.