Archery group helps Veterans learn coping skills

Fresh air, walking trails, 3D foam animal targets, and bow and arrows were the main attractions for an early morning Abilene Vet Center’s archery group getting ready for a little friendly competition.

Veterans gathered at the Abilene Bow Hunter’s Association for the Vet Center’s third annual “Foam is our Friend” archery match. 

The Veteran archery group meets once a month and is one of several groups offered at the Vet Center to learn self-care, coping skills, improve mental, emotional and physical health, reduce stress and enjoy activities and nature. 

“Veterans already come in with marksmanship abilities, and so archery really pairs well with that because they end up doing something that is native to their own experiences,” said Nick Tapie, director, Abilene Vet Center. “But archery is very different than using firearms. It’s very quiet. It’s calming. It’s therapeutic.”

Army Veteran Patrick Whitney joined the archery group through Tapie’s encouragement and has been hooked ever since. He has played in all three archery competitions. 

“The tranquility is awesome.”

“I’m a competitive person. Archery isn’t easy. I think that’s what draws me in even more because it actually takes some skill. Whenever you pull that bow back, there’s a lot of fundamentals that you have to remember. And the scenery is so peaceful out here. The tranquility is awesome,” Whitney said.

Whitney won first place last year and claimed second this year. “I’ve been through some dark times and Nick has been there for me. I wish we could get some more Veterans out each month to see what they can do.”

Veteran Jason Denson hadn’t shot a bow in more than 20 years and was told about the event from his counselor at the Vet Center. But for him the day was more than just about archery. 

“Honestly, I was one of those infantry guys that, if you cry and moan about things, well, you’re going to get run over. So, I would suck it up, drive on through the pain, take some ibuprofen and keep going. That is how the service was for me,” Denson said.

For Denson, it helps him to get out of his comfort zone and break the silence barrier because there are things that he’ll only talk to another Veteran about. “Even though we have different stories, we can still relate to each other and that really helps,” he added.

Manny Rios enjoys the challenge of the sport. The recently retired marine said archery has helped him in his life: “This has been huge for me. It’s given me a different platform to help settle all the noise in my head, which calms me. When I go home, I’m a different person. I’m not so angry,” he said. “Give the Vet Center a call. Learn something new. You don’t even have to do anything. Just come and enjoy the scenery and most importantly, the people.”