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Veterans Get the Gift of Hunting

March 16, 2009

Veterans Get the Gift of Hunting

By Kim Hiss

After Friday's post about a Prada-wearing hunter in need of an attitude adjustment, I thought I'd start this week off with a story about a few Pennsylvania hunters who make us proud to be sportsmen. 

     Scranton's Times Tribune ran an article today about a group of wounded vets from the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, who were recently invited to spend five days at the Ringneck Ridge Hunting Preserve in the northeastern part of the state. Their trip was sponsored by the Hunts for Healing Fund, a project established by Preserve owners Mindy and John Piccotti along with a local veteran's family. Also taking part were The Pennsylvania State Fox and Coyote Hunters' Association, which gave each soldier a shotgun, ammo and other gifts, and members of Black Walnut Post 510 of the American Legion, who provided the honored guests with a steak dinner. 

     According to the story, the veteran guests included an Army sergeant from Tennessee, who'd lost a leg while serving in Afghanistan. The hosts included a veteran of Vietnam and a Navy retiree, Ross Colquhoun, who now coordinates the hunting and fishing program at Walter Reed. During their five days together they shot clays and pheasants, hunted for raccoon and coyote and enjoyed dinners of elk roast, Alaskan salmon and pheasant marsala. 

     In light of such generosity, what can I add? My very best wishes go out to those Pennsylvania sportsmen who pulled together to honor the sacrifice the returning troops have made -- and to all the sportsmen around the country involved in similar programs. The Hunts for Healing mission statement says, "This experience helps their recovery psychologically, emotionally, and socially -- getting warriors back to their daily lives." What an incredible gift from one hunter to another. -K.H. 

Comments (17)

Top Rated
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from 2Poppa wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

A big congratulations to "Hunts For Healing" for sponsoring this hunt for our service men and women.
It's great to see people honoring our military who have sacrificed everything for the people of this "still great nation!"

Mr. Colquhoun,ROCKS,even in his flip-flops!

There is another great organization that is honoring our military if anyone is interested ...

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Thanks for sharin' this article, FSHUNTRESS!

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from rrmont wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

As a sportsman I'm proud of the guys that made this happen for the fine men that have given so much for thier country.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Laura Bell wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

That's Awesome! Two thumbs up for that club and its members! They did a wonderful thing for our Veterans and I'm glad to see them getting a little recognition for their efforts.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Judy Black wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

Kudos to the club and their members.
We recently attended a Safari Club dinner/auction and every year the club takes "challenged" children on hunts, makes a video of the hunt and then play it at this auction.
Very heart wrenching but very rewarding knowing that as a member, my dues and donation help send these kids on their hunts.
This year they brought to the podeum, two or three veterans that had been wounded and awarded them with different hunts. My eyes filled with tears and these men stood there and thanked everyone for the opportunity. My heart skipped a beat when table by table the attendees gave these men a standing ovation.
They are the reason that we are able to live the life we do and enjoy the sports that we love. We are free because they are on the front lines fighting for us.
A great big thank you to our military and any organization that gives them an opportunity to partake in a hunt that they possibly would never have the chance to do.
JB

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from NorCal Cazadora wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

I love the generosity and loyalty of hunters - and yes, this is a nice story to read about after that irritating Prada affair! :-)

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from peter wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

cool i live in north east pa about 40 min. from scranton and its great to see a pretty local charity given troops back

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from kimhiss wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

Thanks for the link, 2Poppa (I also appreciated last week's mythology link!). And well said, Judy Black. That certainly sounds like a proud night for Safari Club members. -K.H.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Jacee wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

Awesome story, which I agree is uplifting after the Princess business. I am impressed to see the generosity and hope someday I can help in this. PS - One organization is trying to get a hunt together for a wounded female warrior, so maybe we'll will talk about that someday soon!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Beekeeper wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

Bravo, Job well done. Keep it up guys!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

Here in the Ozarks, the assault on ATV’s has reached its max. You’re not allowed to operate an ATV only in the Mills Creeks approved area. Logging companies are instructed to prevent any and all access to forest trails that prevent access on foot on one I have been hunting for years.

Ya Ya I here you talk about preventing access of ATV’s, now Forest Land is only assessable across private property and that land has become a private resort to do whatever they want. Last season I know a hunter that dropped 4 deer just inside private property and said while standing on known Forest Property I was trespassing. His buddies showed up quickly and carted the deer off and said they shot them knowing better I knew who did, I just couldn’t prove it legally. Now that area is shutoff. As for ATV’s, how in the hell us Disabled Vets get around and I believe all should have equal access period.

Being a Disabled Vet Sucks!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from FloridaHunter1226 wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

I could not even imagine being deployed or being out of the country and not being able to do any hunting or fishing. I deeply admire and respect not only the soldiers but the ones who but this event together for them. It really shows some appreciation for all they have done for us.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from Lou A. wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

Wow, what a great way to say thanks to a vet!

I have a hard time articulating how much admiration and pride I feel for all of those who CHOOSE to protect us and our great nation.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from usmcturkey wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

That is great to hear more people doing things for wounded warriors. I was wounded in Afghanistan this past August. The kind people at Wounded Warriors in Action sponser hunting and fishing trips just like to one mentioned above. All the things people do for us now, I just wish that Vietnam Vets could have had a quarter of the appericiation that we have now days when we return.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from kimhiss wrote 2 years 46 weeks ago

Thanks so much for your comment, Usmcturkey. I know we're all glad to have your personal perspective on the blog. -K.H.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from steve182 wrote 2 years 46 weeks ago

Kudos to all involved

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from teufelhunden wrote 2 years 46 weeks ago

Thanks to all involved for the true lesson in selflessness and service.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from helpahero wrote 2 years 27 weeks ago

I just found time to get on this site and I want to say to all our sportsman that are tired of people trying to TAKE GOD out of our country and the right to our guns. I am the events cordinator and founder of Hunts for Healing and with the support of some great sportsman and the surrounding communities, we are making a difference in how our wariors our embrassing and becoming involved has new sportsman. Do you realize I have only a small amount of our soliders who were sportsman prior to their combat injuries. We as sportman have a chance to educate our warriors who have an interest and their children and help make new sportsman. Some hunters or friends of hunters can help with contributions to our foundations by sending a donaton. Please check out our website www.huntsforhealing.org .

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from bobcatkiller94 wrote 2 years 26 weeks ago

Thanks to everyone who helped with this and the turkey hunt... it was a fun experience when we killed a Bird with our guy for the Turkey hunt... Kent seemed happy with it :)

+1 Good Comment? | | Report

Post a Comment

from 2Poppa wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

A big congratulations to "Hunts For Healing" for sponsoring this hunt for our service men and women.
It's great to see people honoring our military who have sacrificed everything for the people of this "still great nation!"

Mr. Colquhoun,ROCKS,even in his flip-flops!

There is another great organization that is honoring our military if anyone is interested ...

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Thanks for sharin' this article, FSHUNTRESS!

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from Judy Black wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

Kudos to the club and their members.
We recently attended a Safari Club dinner/auction and every year the club takes "challenged" children on hunts, makes a video of the hunt and then play it at this auction.
Very heart wrenching but very rewarding knowing that as a member, my dues and donation help send these kids on their hunts.
This year they brought to the podeum, two or three veterans that had been wounded and awarded them with different hunts. My eyes filled with tears and these men stood there and thanked everyone for the opportunity. My heart skipped a beat when table by table the attendees gave these men a standing ovation.
They are the reason that we are able to live the life we do and enjoy the sports that we love. We are free because they are on the front lines fighting for us.
A great big thank you to our military and any organization that gives them an opportunity to partake in a hunt that they possibly would never have the chance to do.
JB

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from FloridaHunter1226 wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

I could not even imagine being deployed or being out of the country and not being able to do any hunting or fishing. I deeply admire and respect not only the soldiers but the ones who but this event together for them. It really shows some appreciation for all they have done for us.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from Lou A. wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

Wow, what a great way to say thanks to a vet!

I have a hard time articulating how much admiration and pride I feel for all of those who CHOOSE to protect us and our great nation.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from usmcturkey wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

That is great to hear more people doing things for wounded warriors. I was wounded in Afghanistan this past August. The kind people at Wounded Warriors in Action sponser hunting and fishing trips just like to one mentioned above. All the things people do for us now, I just wish that Vietnam Vets could have had a quarter of the appericiation that we have now days when we return.

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from steve182 wrote 2 years 46 weeks ago

Kudos to all involved

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from helpahero wrote 2 years 27 weeks ago

I just found time to get on this site and I want to say to all our sportsman that are tired of people trying to TAKE GOD out of our country and the right to our guns. I am the events cordinator and founder of Hunts for Healing and with the support of some great sportsman and the surrounding communities, we are making a difference in how our wariors our embrassing and becoming involved has new sportsman. Do you realize I have only a small amount of our soliders who were sportsman prior to their combat injuries. We as sportman have a chance to educate our warriors who have an interest and their children and help make new sportsman. Some hunters or friends of hunters can help with contributions to our foundations by sending a donaton. Please check out our website www.huntsforhealing.org .

+3 Good Comment? | | Report
from rrmont wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

As a sportsman I'm proud of the guys that made this happen for the fine men that have given so much for thier country.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Laura Bell wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

That's Awesome! Two thumbs up for that club and its members! They did a wonderful thing for our Veterans and I'm glad to see them getting a little recognition for their efforts.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from NorCal Cazadora wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

I love the generosity and loyalty of hunters - and yes, this is a nice story to read about after that irritating Prada affair! :-)

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from peter wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

cool i live in north east pa about 40 min. from scranton and its great to see a pretty local charity given troops back

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from kimhiss wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

Thanks for the link, 2Poppa (I also appreciated last week's mythology link!). And well said, Judy Black. That certainly sounds like a proud night for Safari Club members. -K.H.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Jacee wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

Awesome story, which I agree is uplifting after the Princess business. I am impressed to see the generosity and hope someday I can help in this. PS - One organization is trying to get a hunt together for a wounded female warrior, so maybe we'll will talk about that someday soon!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Beekeeper wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

Bravo, Job well done. Keep it up guys!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Clay Cooper wrote 2 years 47 weeks ago

Here in the Ozarks, the assault on ATV’s has reached its max. You’re not allowed to operate an ATV only in the Mills Creeks approved area. Logging companies are instructed to prevent any and all access to forest trails that prevent access on foot on one I have been hunting for years.

Ya Ya I here you talk about preventing access of ATV’s, now Forest Land is only assessable across private property and that land has become a private resort to do whatever they want. Last season I know a hunter that dropped 4 deer just inside private property and said while standing on known Forest Property I was trespassing. His buddies showed up quickly and carted the deer off and said they shot them knowing better I knew who did, I just couldn’t prove it legally. Now that area is shutoff. As for ATV’s, how in the hell us Disabled Vets get around and I believe all should have equal access period.

Being a Disabled Vet Sucks!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from kimhiss wrote 2 years 46 weeks ago

Thanks so much for your comment, Usmcturkey. I know we're all glad to have your personal perspective on the blog. -K.H.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from teufelhunden wrote 2 years 46 weeks ago

Thanks to all involved for the true lesson in selflessness and service.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from bobcatkiller94 wrote 2 years 26 weeks ago

Thanks to everyone who helped with this and the turkey hunt... it was a fun experience when we killed a Bird with our guy for the Turkey hunt... Kent seemed happy with it :)

+1 Good Comment? | | Report

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