June 12, 2022Sunday gunday: Wounded Warrior SGT Robert Evans Earns Distinguished Rileman Badge
SGT Robert Evans earned the Distinguished Rifleman badge at the 2013 Western CMP Games. This is something many shooters strive for throughout their shooting careers. Evans received his DR badge using only one hand after he lost his right hand in Iraq while serving with the U.S. Army. CLICK HERE to read the full story on CMP Website
Report based upon story by Ashley Brugnone (CMP Writer/EditorSGT Robert Evans): Defying all Odds, Single-Handedly
After joining the Army in 2003 SGT Robert Evans served two tours of duty in Iraq. He sustained a spinal injury during the first tour. His life was forever changed by his second tour. On May 31, 2007, Evans was in command of a Bradley Fighting Vehicle in Iraq. The Bradley was driving under an old Fedayeen guard house, when an IED was placed on top of it. Evans was reaching for the turret. Robert lost his right hand at the wrist when the blast struck. Evans was reaching out of the turret to retrieve it. Evans vowed to continue shooting despite the injury. He said that the sport has been important to him since childhood. “No matter what’s going on in my life, when all the stars align and the hammer is about falling, nothing in this world matters at that moment.” It’s my nirvana. “Evans started in F-Class to get back into the sport. He could hold the trigger and pull hard, while still being able to use his eyes. He then became involved in J.J. O’Shea’s M1 For VETS Project. Evans began shooting again after he joined the M1 for Vets group. There were difficulties: Evans said that the first time he shot after his amputation was “very frustrating”. “I couldn’t hold still, and shooting left handed was so foreign to me.” Evans was a right-eye dominant throughout his life. The loss of his right handed hand forced him to learn how to shoot. Evans In 2008, Evans was able to cross the threshold of Camp Perry after a long period of dry firing and a lot of practice. This was a dream that he had been waiting for his whole life. On his first trip, he scored 50 points, out of 100. Evans was not able to score enough points for his first trip, even though it was a good result for someone with an amputee. He wanted to be a Distinguished Rangerman. SGT Evans during Team Match at the 2013 CMP Western Games.
In 2012, he received his first 10 points (towards distinguished) at Camp Perry. This was when he began to realize his dream. He took 15 months to LEG out. His next 6 points were at the 2013 Eastern Games at Camp Butner, NC. He then scored 10 more points at 2013 National Matches. He hoped to “bronze out” and earned a silver medal at the 2013 Eastern Games in Camp Butner, NC. Then he won 10 more points at the 2013 National Matches. Finally, he won the 2013 Western Games at Ben Avery Shooting Facility, Phoenix, AZ. He never gave up and remembered his long journey from hospital to firing line. SGT Robert Evans was now a Distinguished Rangerman. He said that there was a lot speculation, pressure and competition to be the first Combat Wounded Veteran “to go Distinguished” within M1 for VETS. “I am proud to have earned my badge. But, more importantly, I hope more wounded veterans will see that it is possible. It’s possible. It’s my hope that it inspires everyone to train harder and hold on tighter, not just wounded veterans. Anyone can do it if I can. “Posted by Civilian Marksmanship Program at www.TheCMP.org
Author: Ashley Brugnone, CMP Writer/EditorCommentary by GS Arizona
Robert Evans’s inspirational effort is a reminder of the importance of marksmanship in creating a challenge and reward that can help wounded warriors regain their confidence and motivate them to succeed in all areas of life. Robert’s efforts are very similar to Karoly Takacs’s. He was a Hungarian pistol competition competitor who lost his right arm in a grenade explosion during World War II. Takacs, determined to overcome the injury, learned to shoot left-handed and won gold medals at the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games. Robert brings the Old World grit, determination and perseverance into the modern age and into the context for our nation’s most cherished and historic award for marksmanship. Robert’s Distinguished badge will shine brightly to be a beacon for those who face challenges in life and can find a way to renew their faith in the brotherhood markmen. We salute his efforts and the inspiration he gives to us all. Editor’s note: GS Arizona is a Distinguished Pistol Shooter, Distinguished Smallbore Shot, Distinguished Rifleman (NRA), and a dedicated student in shooting history. A Special Message from SGT EvansSGT Evans wanted thank all those who helped him achieve his goal to “going distinguished”. He owes many people his successes. “I believe it’s important to let our fellow competitors know how valuable they’ve been for me and the rest M1 for VETS shooters. They are the ones that keep us going and make our world a better place,” he stated. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the shooting community, businesses, and organizations that have donated to M1for VETS. We are so grateful to you all! “I would like to thank everyone who has helped me, the CMP. He said that this is the reason I became Distinguished. “M1 for VETS, a wonderful organization, is a great organization. I can’t thank them enough. No matter where I go in my shooting career, I will always be grateful to them for their teaching, mentoring, and acceptance. They are a great group of guys, and the reason I was able to try. I would also like to thank John, May Marx, and Dick Whiting.
After a Washington meeting with Senators Harry Reid, John Ensign, SGT Evans and Karen were joined by their wife Karen. He said, “My father, mother and grandparents have always been there to me and are a constant source for encouragement.” “And last but not least, my loving wife Karen. She is there for me, no matter what I do, and she supports me completely. She is my world and I cannot thank her enough for her loyalty and support. I love you, Karen.”
Similar Posts
