Then , we can pull on our network and other organizations to set them up with clinics , someone to talk to with if they need that , and with job opportunities . The group is about being with other veterans at its core .
“ I ’ m really proud of how everyone has come together ,” Rangel said , “ It ’ s really been a joint effort . [ Members ] support each other , pooling resources , and “ whatever we can do when there is someone in need . If we have a crisis , we all reach out to help , and when they do , we connect them with local people to get them the support that they need .”
What is next for the Vets ?
Rangel said he is dedicated to reinvesting his profits and time giving back to the communities he serves in any way possible . “ I never want to look back at this time and say I should have , or I could have , or I would have . I don ’ t know how long any of this will last , so I want to make the most of all of it , while I can .” he said . Aside from running UNDR Industries , Bunkerfest and being a leader in Veteran Militia , he also organizes and leads several charitable events annually . This time of year , especially , that kind of spirit is particularly needed . Last December , Rangel said he raised and donated several thousand for Toys for Tots . Chris said he tries to annually donate $ 25,000 or more a year to various charities . “ Giving back and using this space for something more is one of my core priorities as a person . I grew up with nothing , I know how hard it is to be in the position .”
I asked him what else is planned . Chris said , “ Hiring veterans is a key goal for 2023 .” He wants to hire as many veterans as he can in the aid of Bunkerfest and its success . According to Rangel , UNDR Industries acquired Animal [ Customs ] in 2017 , and Bunkerfest came with it . Chris ran his first
Bunkerfest event in 2021 in Austin , Texas and more recently brought back a classic event , The “ Mardi Gras Open ” which was hosted at LA Xtreme paintball in Slidell Louisiana . Both were great successes and have built the upcoming regional series . At the time of this writing 115 teams had already registered for Bunkerfest 2023 . “ And we haven ’ t finished yet ,” Rangel said . Plan of Action
With all of this on their plate , will the Veteran Militia be returning for another Commander ’ s Cup next year ?
Whether it returns to NXL remains to be seen , but Rangel says , “ I would love to continue to see the Commanders Cup at the NXL World Cup event .”
Veterans are all too familiar with the frustration that comes from continuous training and not being able to execute . To curb the disappointment from the players who were not selected for this year ’ s Cup . Rangel said “ We want as many new and fresh faces to fill the rosters each time we get this opportunity . The players who represented each branch in this years Cup will not be eligible to play in the next Commanders Cup event . It ’ s a good and very tough spot to be in when you have 2700 members ready to battle it out already .”
Saved rounds
Anyone you would like to thank ? “ Yes , I have to thank Tom Cole , and the whole NXL staff once again for making this possible . They have really given us a great platform to reach more veterans in the paintball community and continue our mission . Lastly I ’ d like to thank our sponsors , UNDR Industries , HK Army , Virtue .”
PHOTO BY MATT CLAYTON
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