Guest Author - Gary King

He is a retired USAF fighter pilot who flew over 300 combat missions in Vietnam and later was the Wing Commander of the Fighter Weapons Wing in Las Vegas, Nevada. He was the overall commander of the USAF Top Gun programs for the F-4; F-15; F-16; F-111; and A-10 aircrafts. Also under his command was the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron the "Thunderbirds" and Operational Test & Evalutation for new fighter weapons systems.

That retired fighter pilot is Ron Clements, founder of Lone Cone Outfitters which is headquartered on the "Eagles Nest Ranch," which is located on the north slope of the famous "Lone Cone" Mountain approximately 20 miles sought of Norwood, Colorado.

Ron's love of the outdoors and experience as a hunter throughout the United States and many foreign countries led him to found Lone Cone Outfitters. Since it's inception the outfit has hosted clients from over 35 states and prides itself in providing quality service at reasonable rates.

Lone Cone Outfitters offers year round activities. June through September a myriad of activities occur on and around the Ranch. Clients comong on Family Vacations and Business Group Retreats are offered horseback riding; lake and stream trout fishing; sport shooting; wildlife photography; mountain biking; outdoor cookouts; tours of the many scenic areas of Southwest Colorado, and many other summer activities.

The last of August is the opening of archery hunting for Elk, Mule Deer, and Black Bear in Colorado. Muzzleloader season opens along with bowl hunting in September; in October and November rifle seasons open for big game hunting. Lone Cone Outfitters provides excellent accommodations and service for all these hunts and encourages non-hunters to "come along" on vacation.

Winter Sports begin in December and last through March. Lone Cone Outfitters, Inc. offers snowmobiling; ice fishing; cross country skiing; plus skiing on the Telluride ski slopes.

Many special events such as Weddings; Family Reunions; Scounting Campouts; and other Rocky Mountain outdoor activities are hosted by Lone Cone Outfitters.

Eagle Nest Ranch provides the Main Lodge with adjacent Log Home offering 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a large den, plus commercial kitchen and dining area seating over 20 people. In addition, they provide a meat processing area with lights, tables, sinks, electric saw and winch; plus a cooler/locker with hanging rails to hold over 15 deer and elk.

Decks or porches are provided on all sides for great viewing. Some family groups love their log home. These homes offer 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a sitting area with refrigerator and a large front porch. This provides great accommodation and privacy for groups up to twelve.

They have recreational vehicle hookups, horseshoe pits, volleyball, sport shooting, plus you can ride the Ranch on their gentle horses. They have boats available for use on Miramonte Reservoir and the beautiful high mountain "Wood Lake."

There are excellent facilities for you to relax and enjoy while dinner is being prepared. A commercial grade kitchen allows their cooks to prepare great meals for large groups. Guests with special dietary needs or preferences can let them know when contacting them and they will attempt to meet all requirements.

All meals are scheduled around your daily activity schedule. Plus, for day trips away from the Ranch, they prepare a picnic lunch. Their freezer is always stocked with "Homemade Ice Cream" plus there are fresh fruits, snacks and candies, and one refrigerator for sodas, juices and whatever. Their drilled well offers safe water.

Winter in Southwest Colorado is more diverse than you might imagine. Sunny days create a warm and sparkling winter wonderland. Roads are well maintained for touring the majestic, snow covered mountains, mesas and valleys. Skiing and snowmobiling are outstanding. You can explore the quiet winter forest on skis or snowshoes or try ice fishing or ice skating. Perhaps a romantic sleigh ride, and then soak in the warmth of natural hot springs.

Shopping can be a real bargain, especially in winter. Victorian architecture frosted with snow is enchanting as you stroll through historic districts, museums and galleries. Every community has its special winter festivals, celebrations, arts and crafts displays and bazaars, plays and winter sports competitions.

In June 2003, a program call Operation "You Rolled Thanks" was started by Ron and Ruby Clements at their Eagles' Nest Recreational Ranch in Norwood, Colorado to honor and "Welcome Home" the men and women of all military services who had served honorably, overseas in "Operation Iraqi Freedom" (OIF). The program ran during the period June to November 15, 2003 and was open on a first come, first serve basis to active duty members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and all Reserve forces called to active duty, of any race, creed, military rank or grade who served in the Iraqi Theater of Operations.

Operation "You Rolled Thanks" was at "no cost" to the OIF Veteran or their dependent(s) and included all lodgine, meals, participation in Ranch activities such as horseback riding, lake stream trout fishing, crawfish catching, wildlife viewing, hiking, backpacking, ATV riding, camp fire cookouts, and indoor recreation. In addition, sight-seeing tours were conducted to various Parks, National Forests, and other tourist attractions in the beautiful Southwest Colorado Rocky Mountains. During the period September, October and November, some of the Veterans and dependents participated in archery or rifle hunting for Rocky Mountain Elk.

The testimonials given and surveys completed by over 70 Veterans, spouses, and children who participated indicate the program was an overwhelming success in rewarding some of our military personnel for their service in helping to protect and preserve the freedom of the United States. A special "Thank You" is gien to those that contributed to this program and helped provide funding for the period of operation in 2003.

The goal of Ron and his Web Site (one of the related links) was to continue to provide this program on a cost-free basis through 2004, and who knows, perhaps longer. The Internal Revenue Service had originally given verbal authorization that contributions to the program were tax deductible. After completed staffing by the IRS, their final ruling was that the program could not be continued as non-profit "tax deductible" beyond November 15, 2003.

MY COMMENT: Typical of the IRS. Many times they refuse to grant tax deductible status to those who not only deserve it but need it because of the low-cost of their services. Another example of the BIG BULLY APATHY from Washington!

They are continuing to try to find ways to obtain funding so the program can reopen at "no cost" to the OIF Veteran. Ron and all those involved in running the program are retired military and certainly not rich. They must have help in funding in order to provide the program at no cost!

SPONSORSHIP: Any individual, organization, company or corporation that would like to sponsor an OIF Veteran may contact Eagles' Nest Ranch Veterans Retreat or Lone Cone Outfitters, Inc. through their website at www.loneconeoutfitters.com or by calling Ron Clements at 707-549-6655 for complete details.

Based on numerous requests from OIF Veterans, dependents, families and others, they are pleased to announce that Eagles' Nest Ranch and Lone Cone Outfitters, Inc. will begin a summer recreational program in June, 2005. This program will be offered to all Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans, their dependents, and families at a greatly reduced rate from their normal guest rates (rates which are just enough to cover costs).

They are offering all meals, lodgine, participation in Ranch activities (such as horseback riding, hiking, backpacking, campfire cookouts, lake and stream trout fishing (boats included), crawfish catching, wildlife viewing, photography and indoor games.

For reservations or additional information, contact Ron Clements at 706-549-6655 or e-mail him at ron@loneconeoutfitters.com

Yes, Ron Clemtns may have retired as a Fighter Pilot, but he did not take to the easy chair. He chose to "retire but not retire" and not only do something he loves, but to help other people have some fun and also to do something to let our troops know they are appreciated.