LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Kim Phares is an Army veteran who’s lived in West Texas for more than three decades.
“I love my family and the outdoors, and I love helping other women get in the outdoors, too.” Phares said.
FACEBOOK: CHARMED WOMEN’S OUTDOOR ADVENTURES COMMUNITY
Phares decided to join the Army in 1990, straight out of high school. She was sent to Germany and says that experience helped shape her into the person she is today.
“I’m very patriotic,” Phares said, “and at that time, Desert Storm was going on, but then, by the time I got out of basic training, somebody blinked and it was over. I didn’t get to go do that part, but I still felt like I just wanted to go pursue that path and if I wouldn’t have gotten married and had a child, I probably would’ve been a lifer. I loved it.”
Phares is originally from Michigan, but met her future husband, a West Texas native, while she was stationed overseas. The two moved to Midland following the end of Kim’s service time in 1994. Phares’ love for the outdoors stuck with her, and she took up hunting in 2012. There was just one thing missing.
“I found that a lot of times I was the only gal,” Phares said. “It was me and my husband and that was fine, but even still, if we were with other people, I was the only female.”
In 2017, Phares decided to combine her veteran background and love for the outdoors by creating the “Charmed Women’s Outdoor Adventures” Facebook group. The group brings women veterans together, locally and from other states, to take part in activities such as hunting and bow fishing.
The group is also a conservation effort, as they typically hunt for animals like coyotes, bobcats and hogs, that can do harm to other animals and the environment around them.
Phares says there’s something special about bringing women together for this experience.
“I always tell everybody, getting something on the ground is a bonus,” Phares said. “It’s everything leading up. It’s sitting up in the blind, getting to know somebody, and letting them tell their story and making a lot of connections. A lot of friendships have been made. I’ve made some wonderful friends just from being in that community.”
More trips are on the horizon for the group, and Phares says being able to start this great community, she has loved every second of it.
“Charm just changed me from my perspective of something that I love to do,” Phares said, “to share it with others and find joy in watching others grow.”
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