San Angelo Welcomes Veterans for Annual Hunt

Luis Jose (L.J.) Lugo, a U.S. Army veteran, grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he excelled in sports such as football, wrestling, and track. In 2007, he enlisted as a 13B Cannon Crew member, training at Ft. Leonard Wood and Ft. Sill before being stationed with the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell. Lugo served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he sustained injuries from an IED explosion. After recovering at Walter Reed and Balboa Medical Centers, he returned to Santa Fe, dedicating himself to his family and working various jobs to support them. 

Chief Warrant Officer CW5 Armando Torres, a 30-year U.S. Army veteran, served extensively in the Joint Special Operations community. His career included roles as an Intelligence and Special Operations Linguist, Blackhawk Assault Helicopter Pilot, and Special Reconnaissance Pilot. Born in New York and raised in Puerto Rico, Torres enlisted at 17 and spent his early years in global deployments, later joining the Global War on Terrorism as a Fixed-Wing Pilot and ultimately rising to Command Chief Warrant Officer of a Special Reconnaissance Squadron.

Torres’s campaigns spanned Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the Philippines, focusing on anti-terrorism, tactical training, and reconnaissance. Post-retirement, he worked with Northrop Grumman and American Airlines, where he continues to mentor new pilots. 

Sergeant Charles Harris, originally from Three Churches, West Virginia, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2010, inspired by the events of 9/11. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, serving as a grenadier. During his deployment, Harris earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and a Purple Heart.

On May 30, 2012, Harris sustained life-altering injuries after stepping on an IED, resulting in the loss of his right leg and severe injuries to his right hand and arm. Despite these challenges, Harris remains proud of his service, attributing his experiences to shaping his life and values. Now a devoted husband and father of eight, he focuses on gratitude and service to others.

Chief Warrant Officer CW5 Albert Quinn, a retired U.S. Army aviator, hails from Columbia, Illinois. After earning a private pilot’s license, he pursued a military aviation career, completing the U.S. Army Warrant Officer Flight Training Program in 1992. Over his 25-year career, Quinn served as a Rotary-Wing and Fixed-Wing Pilot, Platoon Leader, and Instructor Pilot, logging over 9,000 flight hours, including 2,898 in combat zones. His exemplary service earned him prestigious honors, including the Legion of Merit and two Air Medals.

Following his retirement in 2017, Quinn transitioned to a civilian aviation career, now working as a Boeing 767 Captain for FedEx Express. Outside of aviation, he enjoys spending time with his wife, grandchildren, and pets, while also restoring vintage vehicles and motorcycles. 

Master Sergeant Justin Henry, a U.S. Air Force veteran, enlisted in 2005 with aspirations of playing professional golf. Stationed in Alaska, he soon deployed to Kuwait and later Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his service, Henry faced direct enemy fire in Baghdad, providing life-saving field care to an injured soldier. Subsequent deployments included Afghanistan, where his team endured intense combat but ensured no losses at their Forward Operating Base despite challenges on foot patrols.

Though his injuries are invisible, Henry experiences lingering effects of PTSD, hyper-awareness, and vivid memories of conflict. He credits outdoor activities and physical engagement with aiding his mental well-being. Devoted to his family, Henry expresses gratitude for programs that offer him the chance to reconnect with nature and find peace after service.

Master Sergeant William Swords, a U.S. Army veteran from Pontotoc, Mississippi, enlisted in 2008 with the dual purpose of supporting his family and serving his country during wartime. Over his career, he deployed multiple times, including to Afghanistan in Kunar and Nangarhar Provinces and to Djibouti as part of efforts to deter Boko Haram.

While not physically injured, Swords faced significant mental health challenges following his first deployment in 2011, where nearly half of his platoon was lost in a single day. As a young team leader, he witnessed close comrades being wounded, an experience that continues to weigh on him. Despite these struggles, Swords remains committed to his service and the values that guided him through his military journey.

Sergeant Major Rory Lysaker, a retired U.S. Army veteran, served 24 years, including two decades in Army Special Operations. Enlisting in 2000 as a Geospatial Intelligence Analyst, he completed 18 deployments to regions including Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, and South America. Diagnosed with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury in 2018, Lysaker is actively undergoing treatment.

His distinguished service earned him numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and multiple commendations such as the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Combat Action Badge. Now residing in San Antonio, Texas, Lysaker reflects a career of unwavering dedication and exceptional achievements in service to his country.

Senior Master Sergeant Shannon Fulmer, originally from Easley, South Carolina, joined the U.S. Air Force in 2005 after participating in JROTC during high school. His service included multiple deployments, such as Iraq’s Combat Operating Base Adder and Kandahar, Afghanistan, as well as assignments in Djibouti and Africa under Joint Special Operations.

Though not physically injured, Fulmer faced significant mental health challenges and was later diagnosed with PTSD. After seeking treatment, he credits the care with enabling him to regain a sense of normalcy. His commendations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf clusters), and Air Force Achievement Medal. 

Aviation Ordnanceman Petty Officer 3rd Class Angelina Campbell, originally from Egnar, Colorado, served in the U.S. Navy, where she worked with SEAL teams at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth to address physical and mental health crises. Her service led her to Virginia Beach, where she met her husband, an active-duty Navy SEAL who was killed in action during a 2011 Chinook helicopter crash in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.

Following her husband’s death, Campbell channeled her grief into action, focusing on supporting other widows and veterans. Now a registered nurse, she continues to work for her community, helping others thrive post-service. Campbell describes her journey as challenging yet meaningful, striving to honor her husband’s memory through her dedication to service and empowerment of others.

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Sergeant Major James, a U.S. Army veteran from Orange County, California, enlisted as an Artillery Forward Observer on September 11, 2002. After completing advanced training and Ranger Indoctrination, he served with the 1st Ranger Battalion at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia for nine years before transferring to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command in 2012.

Throughout his career, James has completed over 25 combat deployments and excelled as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller and Fire Support Officer. Having served in various leadership roles and completed numerous military courses, James is preparing to retire from active duty in the winter of 2025, concluding a distinguished and impactful career.