In response to the horrific tragedy in Uvalde, Mrs. Donna Carter and Texas Ranger Matt Cawthon, Ret. answered the call to action. Together, they formed a 501(c)(3) organization to equip our law enforcement with highly specialized tools to engage a threat immediately, when every second counts. This evening they hosted a fundraiser for Going Ballistic. The Going Ballistic nonprofit raises money for ballistic shields (rifle resistant entry shields for law enforcement). The shields are needed to better protect officers as they enter active shooter scenes. Shields run in excess of $5,000.00 and are generally not a feasible consideration in rural county budgets. This charity is able to hand over invaluable shields to law enforcement agencies.
Amongst the speakers concerned about the protection of our communities, guest speaker Barb Allen, a Gold Star wife, spoke about the unimaginable price of freedom. Lt. Colonel Allen West, a Texas Advocate delivered a vivid speech quoting , “These are the times that try men’s souls: the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country”- Thomas Paine, reminding us that we need to take extraordinary measures now to save our children and other innocents. After a spirited live auction, country artist Holly Tucker and Rick Huckaby performed.
Photos and Story by Orian Gaston, Special to the NavCo Chronicle
