Nature, Family, and Firsts: An Unforgettable Weekend for SFC Ryan Cody and Family at RTBMO

 Bottomline up-front: My weekend at the RTBMO site was excellent.

Major Mark Lear acted as an excellent guide for me on my first hunting experience. Through each step of the hunting process, he provided guidance and explanations; between that and nature smiling down upon me, I was able to ‘bag’ my first deer. With this being my first hunt, I was at a loss for how to dress a deer; and Major Mark guided my hand every step of the way to harvest the most out of the deer without leaving any of it to waste. The stands provided an excellent view, and the natural paths allowed for a great time stalking on one occasion. It was refreshing to spend time in nature when the Army gods weren’t providing the worst of possible conditions.

Arguably more important, the site provided an excellent opportunity to camp and bond with my family. I grew up playing in the woods of Connecticut, and where we currently live doesn’t allow the possibility for my son to have the same experience. He spent hours playing in the creek, digging holes (don’t worry, we left the site as we found it) and getting to enjoy nature. I was able to show him tadpoles and talk about how they’ll grow into frogs. We got to watch the hawks circling for prey over the wood line. It was an experience I believe he won’t ever forget. 

This was also my wife’s first camping experience; and the tent and luxuries for the site made her comfortable enough that I’ll be able to convince her to camp again. I didn’t hear her complain once the next day about being tired, and honestly those days are few and far between. Thank you, Mother Nature!

This weekend serves as a memory with my family that I’ll cherish well-past when I run out of deer jerky, which will be an excuse to get back out there again!

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Ryan Cody