The Wood County Republican Women recognized three Patriot Defender Award recipients Saturday, Oct. 3 during the group’s 2026 Patriot Defenders Awards Dinner at the Mineola Civic Center.
Heroes Ranch, state Sen. Bryan Hughes and former U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert received awards during the event. Gohmert also served as the keynote speaker. The evening included dinner and live and silent auctions to raise money for the organization.
HEROES RANCH
Heroes Ranch received the Patriot Defender of the American Dream Award for its work with veterans, first responders and their families.
Freeman and Susan Sawyer founded Heroes Ranch in Wood County in 2020. The ranch provides outdoor activities for injured, ailing, wounded and disabled veterans and first responders. It also serves Gold Star and special needs families.
Accessible facilities and specialized equipment allow guests to take part in activities including hunting and fishing.
Freeman Sawyer thanked the Wood County Republican Women and invited those attending to visit the ranch.
“If you’re not familiar with Heroes Ranch, check us out online, but I give an open invitation to you guys to come out for a tour. We love to show you around to show you what we actually do,” Sawyer said.

HUGHES HONORED FOR FAITH
Hughes received the Patriot Defender of Faith Award for his work during more than two decades in the Texas Legislature.
The presentation highlighted his work on legislation involving abortion, religious liberty and end-of-life care, including the Texas Heartbeat Act, Woman and Child Protection Act, Life of the Mother Act and In God We Trust Act.
Hughes, a Wood County native, began his legislative service in the Texas House in 2003 and has served in the Senate since 2017.
He thanked the organization for the award and spoke about the importance of his Christian faith.
“I love my country, and I love my state. But I want to say this just from my heart. As much as I love my country and as much as I love my state, I am so glad that my citizenship is in heaven,” Hughes said.

GOHMERT RECOGNIZED
Gohmert received the Patriot Defender of Texas Award for his years of public service.
He represented Texas’ 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House from 2005 to 2023. Before serving in Congress, Gohmert served in the U.S. Army, as a state district judge and as chief justice of Texas’ 12th Court of Appeals.
During his acceptance remarks, Gohmert recalled his excitement when Wood County became part of his congressional district.
“I just can’t tell you how thrilled I was when I found out I was going to get to represent Wood County. I was so excited, because I had such good memories growing up coming to Wood County, and I still have those good thoughts and memories coming to Wood County,” Gohmert said.
Gohmert followed the awards presentation with the evening’s keynote address. Much of his speech focused on American history and his Christian faith. He shared stories from the American Revolution, including George Washington’s leadership and an account of Washington praying at Valley Forge.
Gohmert closed by connecting those stories to the responsibility he believes Americans have today.
“We must pray like our work can’t succeed without God’s help, and work like God is counting on us to do all we can. So when there’s nothing more we can do, we will notice that it’s God who helps get it done,” Gohmert said.

AUCTIONS RAISE FUNDS
The evening also included live and silent auctions to raise money for the Wood County Republican Women.
Auctioneer Kelly Conley handled the live auction. Items included a framed American flag that had flown at the U.S. Capitol, a Texas Senate gavel used during the 89th Legislature, two Heritage .22-caliber revolvers and a handmade Constitutional Chair.
The event program also recognized elected officials, businesses and individuals who contributed to the dinner and fundraising efforts.