LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
I just wanted to take a minute and tell you about my recent stay at Windmill Ranch during my visit to San Marcos. My name is Brett Morgan, I am a police officer, and law enforcement trainer for Virtual Academy (https://virtualacademy. com). As I am sure you are aware, Saturday, April 18, 2020, San Marcos Police Officer, Officer Putnam, was killed in the line of duty during an active shooter situation, while two other officers (Officer Mueller and Officer Stewart) were shot and wounded. I decided to come to San Marcos in support of the San Marcos PD to offer support, and cater several meals for them as they navigated through the following week. I live in Fort Worth so I decided to go through AirBnB as a place to stay during my visit. I also brought my family along with me and we ended up staying at Tom’s AirBnB’s Windmill Ranch. I had not met Tom previously but as prompted by the registration process I explained my reason for the visit, explaining that I was there to support the SMPD. Tom immediately responded that he wished to comp our entire stay as a supporter of law enforcement, and particularly a supporter and friend to the San Marcos PD.
When we arrived we were immediately taken back by the beauty of his ranch, and the thoughtful touches inside and out. Tom came over to greet us shortly after we arrived and again expressed his appreciation to me as a police officer, thanking me for my service, as well as to my wife, Angie, who is a paramedic. He further expressed his sadness for the San Marcos PD and was very happy to be able to show his support and gratitude for the service of first responders.
Our experience with Windmill Ranch and Tom was overwhelming. We were overwhelmed with the graciousness of his offer and overwhelmed by the property itself. Windmill Ranch is beautiful. We will be back, and we will be back with the complete expectation of paying full price, it is worth it. Just the hot tub on the deck overlooking the pond is probably worth the price. The nature trails are spectacular with small touches throughout that make it a short adventure as you enjoy the nature of the hill country. The grill by the pond is the most user friendly and fun way to cook a steak over and open fire, which uses a pulley system to hand lower and raise the grill over the flame. The little touches throughout the cabin itself are smart, and classy through and through. Oh, the bed, amazingly comforting. We are trying to replicate that experience itself at our own home.
The reason my family was there was for a very stressful and somber reason. The San Marcos PD is hurting and they will be for a long time. I would encourage people in San Marcos, visitors to San Marcos, or who work there to find ways to support them. If you can provide a meal, or write a card or letter, it would be greatly appreciated. I like to think I helped some while I was there, but I am NOT a member of the community. Expressions of support and gratitude from the community that the SMPD serve directly would be greatly appreciated and meaningful.
Respectfully,
Brett Morgan