Branson entrepreneur’s encouragement leads to helping area veterans

During a spring work day at GUMI Camp USA in Cedar Creek, volunteers including some area veterans joined Hollister High School students in working to make the camp an even more relaxing and beautiful healing retreat for veterans. One of those visiting the camp that day was Branson entrepreneur Paul Bluto, a Merchant Marine veteran who played a big part in giving GUMI Camp USA founder Tim Hadler his start in Branson over 25 years ago. Bluto continues to visit the camp regularly and support Hadler’s mission.  

Tim Hadler (right) with Branson entrepreneur Paul Bluto (Photo submitted by Tim Hadler) 

Back in 2000, Hadler had just played at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville when an employee of the Bluto family’s IMAX Entertainment Complex spoke with him afterwards, inviting him to Branson, and offering to help facilitate the move if Hadler was up for it. 

Hadler says he replied, “Maybe; where’s Branson?” After learning more about Branson and Bluto’s offer, though, he decided to make the move, and says he is forever grateful. He and his wife, Angela, have raised their family in the Ozarks, where they appreciate not only the people and the scenery, but also Branson’s patriotic atmosphere, all of which help make the area a perfect location for GUMI Camp. As for Paul Bluto, once he got acquainted with Hadler and heard him perform, he was completely on board not only with Hadler’s musical performance abilities, but also his dream of helping veterans. 

GUMI Camp USA offers a path for veterans to find healing and work through their scars, as they connect with other veterans, help care for animals, and enjoy the rural life of the Cedar Creek, Missouri, location. The six-month program has seen numerous veteran graduates, with the names to be added to the Memorial Garden wall currently being constructed. 

“The hand-up approach is much more rewarding for the veterans,” shared Hadler. 

“I’ve always been intrigued about Tim’s GUMI Camp project,” Bluto said recently. “After visiting the camp and taking a tour, I’m thoroughly impressed.” He recently contributed financially toward the addition of a second well on the property, which will allow for needed expansion of the facilities; but he’s also getting involved in the music side of things, as he and Tim Hadler recently collaborated on the writing of a new song and plan to write more together! 

GUMI Camp will host an Independence Day/America’s 250th birthday celebration during the day on July 4; anyone interested in attending should contact Hadler at 417-559-3892 for details.