67°F
weather icon Windy

Sportsman’s Quest: Dream hunts for our wounded warriors

As another Memorial Day (Veterans Day) approaches we give an earnest, “thank you for your service” to those who have returned and a “God bless” to those who didn’t. The times are much different from a previous era when our returning veterans were disrespected.

Man, how times have changed and I, as a veteran of that time, appreciate the respect and assistance now given to our sons and daughters.

It’s not only the verbal salute our veterans are receiving, but the outpouring of generosity through the many groups honoring our wounded warriors in particular. We didn’t volunteer expecting anything other than fulfilling a duty, but the assistance is received as an honor.

The Wounded Warrior Project and many others like it are dedicated to serving those who have returned less than whole, but not disabled, as they prove all is possible with our help.

One such organization close to my heart is the Outdoor Adventure Foundation. Their mission is to arrange and donate fully-guided hunting and fishing trips to wheelchair-bound and prosthetically-enabled veterans who dream of once again pursuing their passion. They also provide these experiences to children with severe physical handicaps and conditions. It’s an honest “thank you for your service” to these groups too.

On a recent Elk hunt donated to double amputee Sgt. Marco Solt a life’s dream was able to be fulfilled with the help of the foundation and it supporters.

Another veteran, who sustained his injuries in Iraq, was able to hunt ducks, pheasant and deer with Mr. Tweed Roosevelt, the grandson of former President Theodore Roosevelt and Medal of Honor recipient Clinton “Roe” Romesha. He gives the foundation the credit of “walking the walk” on this North Dakota hunt.

And then there’s the adventure of Lindsay Muench. This “enabled” 17-year-old girl, with the assistance of a donated tracked/motorized wheelchair, was able to fulfill her dream of an elk hunt through the help of the Wisconsin chapter of the foundation. Her full story, along with others, can be read, in their own words, on the Outdoor Adventure website www.ndoaf.org.

Yes, times have changed and the healing continues, thanks to you and groups like these, with a special salute to our brave veterans and to those who continue to serve.

Note: A Southern Nevada Chapter of the Outdoor Adventure Foundation, with the help of Marine Corp Lt. General “Buck” Bedard, is being discussed. With our help this could become a reality.

If you have a story or comment about this or other articles, please contact dansimmons@usa.net or call at 775-727-9777.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

How an injured and abandoned dog in Pahrump overcame the odds

A stray dog that was homeless, hospitalized and facing euthanasia earlier this month is now on the mend thanks to several in the community who helped raise thousands for its life-saving care.

End of an era: 50-year-old Beatty business closing

Owner Jane Cottonwood, who made ribbons, trophies and awards for organizations all over the country, plans to retire and close her shop at the end of February.

PHOTOS: How Pahrump helped dozens facing homelessness

Every three months, the Community Crisis Intervention Committee puts together the Homeless Wraparound, quarterly happenings geared specifically toward serving those experiencing homelessness in Pahrump.

PHOTOS: Wild horses come home for the holidays

The wild horse herds that were removed from the Pahrump Valley earlier this year are finally home, and just in time for Christmas. Here’s how the community came together and made it happen.

Community Christmas Dinner set for Dec. 23

Christmas is just around the corner and it’s all hands on deck for the Pahrump Holiday Task Force as the nonprofit prepares to celebrate the season with the entire community.

A night of cookies with Santa

This past Saturday, the valley was invited to enjoy some cookies with Santa and dozens of families turned out for an evening filled with festive fun.