Wounded Warriors ‘bowl-a-thon’ scheduled for Sunday

Though it's not referred to as 'Bowling for Heroes," the purpose is just the same.

On Sunday, the first ever Wounded Warrior Project Bowl-a-Thon fundraiser will take place at the Pahrump Nugget from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The event is open to the public regardless of skill level.

The Wounded Warrior Project serves veterans and servicemembers who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound, while serving in the military on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

Retired Air Force Veteran Denise Flanagan is organizing the event.

She said area retailers such as Home Depot, Smith's and Walmart have contributed to the event.

"The donation is $10 per person and that price includes shoes and three games of nine-pin no tap bowling," she said. "All ages are welcome and there will be great raffle prizes, including gift cards, a bowling ball and restaurant gift cards, just to name a few. Raffle tickets are six for $5 or $1 each to support our wounded warriors."

Flanagan is one of the fortunate veterans who returned home and retired with no health issues associated to her 27 years in the service.

She said she's all too familiar with stories of those who have, many of which are now living with catastrophic injuries from their time on the battlefield.

"What they have to go through to receive care is very aggravating because our veterans should never have to beg for money," she said. "That's the thing that really gets to me. When our servicemen and women are sent to a war zone and get injured, when they come back it should not even be a question that our government should take care of them. I was lucky because I never had to go to a war zone during my time in the military."

Additionally, Flanagan said not all catastrophic injuries are visible, which is part of the problem.

"There are all different kinds of wounds and that has been part of the problem," she said. "Somebody losing an arm or a leg or being severely burned by a roadside bomb, is something that you can actually see. A lot of our veterans, especially the ones coming back from war zones, have severe PTSD. I remember reading an interview on somebody who came back with PTSD and the veteran said he just wanted to be able to live life, which was a very profound statement."

Flanagan also said she was impressed with the Wounded Warrior Project and how they provided services for veterans in need.

"It was something that really got to me because of all of the programs they offer," she said. "They have literally helped tens of thousands of wounded veterans in the last 10 years and that is amazing. The funds raised from Sunday's bowl-a-thon will go to the national organization for wounded warriors. The Wounded Warrior Project is available to every American veteran who has been wounded anywhere in the United States."

Flanagan, who has already signed up more than 100 participants for the bowl-a-thon, said she is hoping to generate $2,000 from the event.

After speaking with the Nugget's bowling center manager, Lori Hartwell, Flanagan said the event may become a regular fundraiser at the venue, as there is no age requirement.

She said participants will play three games of nine-pin, no tap bowling.

"No tap bowling is when you get 9 pins instead of 10 pins and if one pin doesn't fall, it counts as a strike," she said. "My goal is to raise at least $2,000. For people who cannot attend Sunday's bowl-a-thon, we have a fundraiser website to donate for those who are interested because every dollar counts. The Wounded Warrior Project motto is very profound. It states, 'the greatest tragedy is being forgotten.' If that doesn't strike you in the heart I don't know what would."

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com.