.png)
Board of Directors
President
Duke Damron
Duke Damron grew up in Lufkin, TX and now resides in Danbury, TX. He has been married to his wife Kim since 1998 and has two daughters, Katie and Kyndall. He is a Mechanical Engineering graduate of Texas A&M and currently works for a Fortune 500 chemical company. In his spare time, you will find him fishing, hunting or feeding their cattle.
Duke understands the challenges and trials faced by many families with health challenges. He lost his son Barett to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2022. Barett was the inspiration for creating Southern Outdoor Dreams and his legacy lives on through the mission of the organization.
“In the past our family has been the recipient of the work of other charities and now, Southern Outdoor Dreams is our chance to pay it forward. Southern Outdoor Dreams is the perfect combination of faith, friendship and changing lives through God’s great outdoors. We are blessed to see this amazing organization grow in its impact and thankful for the people that make it happen!”
Gen 9:3
Vice-President
Kyle Ragsdale
Kyle Ragsdale was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana (Hoo- Hoo- Hoosiers!). He went to college in Florida where he met his wife, Kelsie. Following graduation from USF, they moved to Kelsie’s hometown of Clute. Kyle began his career for Vernor Material and Equipment and he and Kelsie had two girls… Kynslie, and Kyper Ragsdale. He attends the Church of Christ on Sundays and soccer games and practices the rest of the week. He loves the outdoors and traveling and being a part of SOD.
“Duke and I have been close now for over 15 years. Years ago, I think both of us, almost simultaneously, were looking to do some sort of outdoor adventure for either children or vets to share what we love doing. A short conversation, a few calls to some friends, and a meeting in a barn later, we had SOD!”
“SOD is a huge blessing to many. As a member though, maybe I get more out of our events than our participants sometimes. It’s amazing, it’s fun, its dramatic sometimes, its hard sometimes, it’s sad sometimes. There are so many of these experiences that challenge us and our participants but, in the end, it is so rewarding to see the smiles and memories created. I love it! We are all called to be servants. There are many ways to do that, but I am thankful I get to participate and take my family to SOD events. I get to teach my girls how they can serve and make an impact on others in many ways and I get to have fun while doing that.”
Hunting Director
Josh Autenreith
Josh Autenrieth from West Columbia, TX. Married to Sara Autenrieth since 2005 and has two sons, Drake and Gage. He works for a petrochemical company, run a local retail story, deer farm, and manage our family ranch. In his free time, he coaches his son’s basketball and baseball teams.
“To me, SOD is more than a hobby or volunteer opportunity, it is a purpose and a way to positively impact lives.”
Veteran's Director
Kevin Karl
Kevin Karl originally from Brazoria, TX but now resides in West Columbia, TX. After graduation from Columbia High, he joined the US Navy as an Information System Technician 2nd Class and served 6 years. Most of his time was overseas, including Radio Support Station and aboard the USS Defender MCM-2. After his time in the service, he began working at a large petroleum company and finished his degree from University of Texas. He is married to a wonderful woman, Laura-Sue, and they have a 6-year-old boy, Carrson. When not at work he enjoys spending time with his family and helping veterans.
“One thing I have heard from every veteran is ‘I felt like I could have done more.’ This includes amazing veterans who have been blown up or shot and literally gave life and limb for this great country. My main goal to help these Veterans feel better about this.”
Public Relations Director
Sara Autenreith
Sara Autenrieth, originally from El Campo, Texas but currently her husband, Josh and herself are raising two busy boys in West Columbia, Texas. Drake is 12 and Gage is 8. They enjoy weekends watching them both play baseball and other sports. When they can, they enjoy time off away from the busy life, out at the ranch near Del Rio where they hang out, enjoy the wildlife, and just have some downtime. She is a former Texas Educator, where she spent 10 years in the classroom. She is currently self employed as a Sales & Marketing Representative for Measuring Up, an educational publishing company. Her husband and her also own a small business in West Columbia, Carta Valley Market & Soda Shop.
“I have been grateful to be a part of SOD since it’s inception. I remember gathering around a card table on Duke and Kim’s porch and talking about what we could do! Now, with the help of so many supporters, the honorees and families of SOD have been greatly blessed! I have many reasons for being a part of this incredible organization. But mainly I just want to help and see the joy it’s bringing to so many!”
Committee Members
Veterans Committee
Josh Baker Mike Fipps
Matthew Houston Brandon Lovell
Bobby Thompson Jeremy Turner
Hospitality Committee
Janet Benich Kim Damron
Janet Johnson Laura Sue Karl
Judy Peter Kelsie Ragsdale
Sheila Koudela Brandy LaTour
Jennifer Ringgold