BOOM Adventures honors veterans and Gold Star families at its annual banquet

Michael Cuviello, Amarillo Globe-News

Brothers-Sisters of Our Military Adventures (BOOM) held its annual Armed Forces Day Banquet last weekend, honoring Gold Star families, Purple Heart recipients, and active-duty military service members with more than 200 guests at the Shop Event venue in Amarillo.

A group of Vietnam veterans share a conversation over a meal May 18 at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.
A group of Vietnam veterans share a conversation over a meal May 18 at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.

BOOM board member and Marine veteran Blake Siebrecht spoke about the importance of honoring those who served.

“Our event is to honor all those that served, as well as the families of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Siebrecht said. “This is all about sharing time to remember the soldiers that serve this country, getting together, and sharing camaraderie over a nice meal. Our goal is to help our fellow veterans and their families.”

BOOM Adventures president and founder Blake Siebrecht last week at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.
BOOM Adventures president and founder Blake Siebrecht last week at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.

Siebrecht emphasizes that events like this are essential so that the families know they are not forgotten and to help families and veterans know about the resources available to them. His organization also does multiple events, such as hunting and fishing excursions for veterans and kids camps.

The evening's featured speaker was retired Command Master Chief, Donald “Buck” McLamb, a 31-year Marine and Navy veteran, who spoke about the importance of hearing the voices of veterans and the work of BOOM.

Donald "Buck" McLamb Marine and Navy Seebee veteran speaks about veteran's issues last week at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.
Donald "Buck" McLamb Marine and Navy Seebee veteran speaks about veteran's issues last week at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.

“It was great to speak in front of these families and veterans,” McLamb said. “It is so important for veterans to have an outlet to talk to. We have over 20 suicides a day from veterans. I have PTSD myself and you cannot be afraid as a veteran to talk to somebody because it could save a life.”

McLamb said that his experience going on a hunting trip with BOOM Adventures showed the effect that being around other veterans who have shared experiences has on others dealing with issues.

Donald "Buck" McLamb Marine and Navy Seebee veteran stands in his yard monument saluting fallen veterans at his home.
Donald "Buck" McLamb Marine and Navy Seebee veteran stands in his yard monument saluting fallen veterans at his home.

“Being out and about with the other veterans was very comforting,” he said. “I went out with four other veterans and did not have a shot at anything, but it was great to be out with the other veterans and sharing stories.”

McLamb says that veterans need to look out for each other, whether they are reaching out for help or looking to reach out to give help.

Veterans from multiple services share a table May 18 at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.
Veterans from multiple services share a table May 18 at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.
A Purple Heart veteran shares a dance with his partner May 18 at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.
A Purple Heart veteran shares a dance with his partner May 18 at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.

“It's a two-way street, and the one thing we learned from our time in the service is to look out for your brothers in arms,” McLamb said. “We have to do more to help save lives because many people are struggling and do not know where to turn. We are losing way too many veterans to suicide so it's important to be able to speak about needing help and where to go to get that help."

Col.(retired) Doug Messner shares a minute with a fellow veteran May 18 at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.
Col.(retired) Doug Messner shares a minute with a fellow veteran May 18 at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.
Veteran families share a meal May 18 at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.
Veteran families share a meal May 18 at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.

The Veterans Crisis Line provides veterans with support 24 hours a day by dialing 988 and then the number 1. Also available in Amarillo is the Amarillo Vet Center, which provides counseling services, and the Veterans Resource Center, which helps veterans find housing, benefits, and employment assistance.

Over 200 attendees enjoyed a night of camaraderie May 18t at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.
Over 200 attendees enjoyed a night of camaraderie May 18t at the BOOM Adventures Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.
BOOM Adventures brought together over 200 veterans and families may 18 for the Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.
BOOM Adventures brought together over 200 veterans and families may 18 for the Armed Forces Day Banquet in Amarillo.

For more information on the Amarillo Vet Center, go to https://www.va.gov/amarillo-vet-center/

For more information on the Veterans Resource Center, go to https://www.fss-ama.org/veterans-resource-center/

For more information on BOOM Adventures, go to https://www.boomadventures.org/

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: BOOM Adventures honors veterans, Gold Star families at annual banquet

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