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Gun Club shoot part of family Thanksgiving tradition
mackerman@beaufortgazette.com
843-986-5537
Walking off the firing range, Stephanie Guidroz had a big grin on her face. She just fired off 10 rounds and was confident she would take home a Thanksgiving turkey.
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For several years, her father, Glenn, the fire inspector at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, has brought Stephanie to the annual Parris Island Rod and Gun Club turkey shoot. For the past three years, Glenn Guidroz has bought out the club's range for one round so his daughter can shoot several rounds and win a turkey.
Stephanie, 23, suffers visual and mental impairment. Glenn explained his daughter functions at the same level as a 6- or 7-year old, but otherwise is a happy and healthy woman.
"When we first came out here, she got very excited about it. The guys over here helped her out," Glenn said. "I had never seen a turkey shoot before, so I tried and lost. Now, I just get the whole range so Stephanie is guaranteed to win."
With the help of a Rod and Gun Club, Stephanie is able to participate in the annual turkey shoot.
"She’s actually almost hit the mark," Glenn said. "Just watching how she shoots the gun ... she listens to every word they say."
Glenn brought Stephanie and his son, Glenn Guidroz Jr., 21, to their first turkey shoot after the family moved to Beaufort from New Orleans five years ago. Both kids fell in love with shooting, although the turkey shoot is the only time they get to do it.
Glenn Jr. brings his own shotgun to the event, and Stephanie borrows a .410-gauge shotgun from the club.
"It’s fun. I am a good shooter," she said. "I love to shoot."
Stephanie also likes bringing home a turkey. At the shoot, she talked about some of her favorite Thanksgiving dishes — the turkey, mashed potatoes and pecan pie for her sweet tooth. But this year it will be Glenn, not his wife, Loretta, who will be cooking Stephanie’s turkey.
Loretta is serving with the Navy in Afghanistan and Glenn said he is under "strict orders" to send a lot of photos.
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