This past spring we were blessed with the oportunity to host a gathering of American Heroes for an occasion we call the Hunt for Heroes. We have hosted a number of Wounded warrior groups but the Hunt for Heroes format allows us to reach out to other very worthy individuals (along with veterans) that have made a long term difference for our country such as firefighters, law enforcement, teachers and the like. This gathering is supported each year by many traditional archers in Georgia and several other states with gifts to the participants. I was flooded by the guys with beautiful gifts for our participants such as a custom longbow from Fox River long bows, custom wingbone turkey calls, custom Wounded Warrior arows and many others.
The group that we brought together was a very special group of soldiers. One served in Viet Nam, one in Korea, and one in Iraq and Afghanistan. All served long term and had more medals than I could count. To say I was humbled by just having them in camp would be a huge understatement. We chased hogs,turkey and stripers and had a wonderful time.The stories told on that porch that weekend made my heart pound with pride and brought tears to my eyes. Here are a couple of pictures from the event along with a little video of my heroes. Thanks again to all in the trad bow comunity that helped with this hunt and a special thank you to all of you that have served.

This video always chokes me up a little.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzOu2cErgx0&feature=player_detailpage  


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ultra NICE!

We do appreciate ya GTBHAssoc. GC

That is a great thing that you are doing. Thanks for caring!

Very cool!        

That is so great! As a Veteran I appreciate guys like you and the groups and events that honor our Veterans. Things have changed for the better in how we treat our Veterans since I got out in the 1990's. I know its changed even more since Vietnam.  I would like to thank you guys and everyone else that put in the time and planning To make the events happen. I also want to thank all our service men and woman who are serving this country and of course all our Veterans!

More than you can imagine, the pleasure is all mine. Heck, my guides will fight you if you tell them they can't guide on these hunts, lol.

I will never forget when a soldier (Purple Heart recipent)offered my son a tip for guiding him for a weekend. My son got a little choked up and told him "how could I ever accept anything from you after what you have done for us?" That is a moment in time I will never forget.

What a great and doable hunt.

Thank you to all veterans!

Thanks for giving my brothers in arms this opertunity.

Looks as though a good time was had by all. Thanks on behalf of fellow veterans.

John, 15:13.


ak.

Thats great!!!  Good for you!  

   

Very nice!  

QuoteOriginally posted by Deeter:
Thanks for giving my brothers in arms this opertunity.

X2!!!
It's always nice to see that saying, " you will not be forgotten" come true.    

Jerry, thats absolutely awesome.  I wish i could help in some way myself.  

You guys are doing excellent work.

QuoteOriginally posted by hardwaymike:
       

QuoteOriginally posted by Deeter:
Thanks for giving my brothers in arms this opertunity.

X2!!!
It's always nice to see that saying, " you will not be forgotten" come true.                     [/b]

Many of the stories told on that porch during the hunt were centered around how they were treated when they returned from fighting many years ago. It was heartbreaking to hear them. The up side was they were so appreciative of how our heroes are now treated when they come home.
I hope everyone will get involved with hunts like these. We have hosted as few as one soldier to as many as 20 purple heart recipients during some pheasant shoots. Just find a way to get out there with one of these heroes. Take them bowhunting, stump shooting or even share a day fishing. You might even consider letting them be the guest of honor at one of your trad events. You can choose a current veteran or some that fought for us many years ago and never got that feeling of appreciation.It is never to late to say thank you.
Saying thank you by spending some time with them is something that is needed and you will feel rewarded beyond what you can imagine. Trust me on this one.


       

OUTSTANDING

Awesome!!!

  Thanks Jerry!    

Very cool.