It was a beautiful day for Charlie 22 Outdoors to welcome a big, outdoor gift.
For the past two years, local artist and veteran Steve Maddox has been working on a 2,100-pound Kansas limestone sign to give to the ministry – which helps veterans who are struggling with depression, PTSD and other related issues. With the help of Steve Haslip and his towing service truck, the stone made its debut Wednesday afternoon at the ministry’s Clubhouse on North Madison in Webb City.
“I’m a veteran,” said Maddox, explaining the inspiration behind the gift. “I know what depression is all about, and I know that some can handle it – others can’t. I’ve had two friends kill themselves because of it. That’s what the ministry is all about – soldiers watching each other’s back.”
Maddox served in the U.S. Navy, National Guard and U.S. Army from 1974-1989, and left the service with the rank of First Lieutenant. As for his art – he was completely self-taught.
“That’s why I don’t stay in one medium,” he said. “I work on whatever fits my fancy that day.”
Maddox’s artistic ability is enjoyed across the area; one of which a stone carving at the Crawford County Historical Museum in Pittsburg, Kan. Find Maddox’s art page here.
Scotty Rae Hettinger, founder of Charlie 22 Outdoors, said the new stone represented so much more than a decorative sign.
“The fact that there’s a veteran willing to give his time and talents like this is very humbling,” Hettinger said. “It shows that Charlie 22 is making a difference because they want to be a part of it in some capacity. We call it a family. And for us to be able to do what we do, we all have our roles. His was the sign, for Steve [Haslip] it was the transporting of it – we couldn’t have done this without him. But I’ve heard veterans say ‘we’ and ‘us,’ referring to this ministry. That means it’ll carry on long after I’m gone. That’s hard to put into words.”
It’s also hard to put on a number on how many veterans Charlie 22 Outdoors impacts every year. Hettinger said between the devotions, events, hunting get-togethers and prayer circles – it could be more than 1,000 every year. The ministry simply focuses on a piece of scripture that is now engraved on a sign at their home office – Joshua 1:9.
This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
