Army's Wounded Warriors Get Hooked on Turkey Hunting

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — The National Wild Turkey Federation's Wheelin' Sportsmen program hosted wounded warriors from Walter Reed Army Medical Center during a weekend of turkey hunting and fellowship at the Letterkenny Army Depot May 9 to May 10.

The Army Wounded Warriors/Letterkenny Army Depot Commander's Hunt, hosted by the NWTF's Michaux-Yellow Breeches and Shippensburg Strutters chapters, sent four wounded Army veterans, their guides and high-ranking military officials afield in pursuit of America's grandest gamebird.

"None of the wounded veterans had turkey hunted before this weekend, but now they all are hooked," said Randy Rakers, coordinator for the NWTF's Wheelin' Sportsmen program in Pennsylvania. "They had a lot of fun, and two hunters harvested their first bird. But best of all, they returned to part of the outdoor lifestyle they enjoyed before they were wounded - and each one wants to hunt again next year."

Maj. Gen. Gale S. Pollock, an avid turkey hunter and NWTF member who helped recognize America's veterans and military heroes at the NWTF's National Convention and Sport Show in February, participated in the hunt.

"I am excited to have the chance to encourage wounded veterans to pursue and enjoy an outdoor activity despite receiving injuries in Iraq or Afghanistan," Pollock said. "I am just delighted that the Wheelin' Sportsmen program made this great opportunity available to these hunters."

Col. Thomas Torrance, deputy commandant of the US Army War College, and retired Col. Steven Raho, of the Office of the Administrative Assistant to the Secretary General, also attended the event.

Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF provides all people with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through local chapter events nationwide, and frequently provides outdoor opportunities to the men and women who fight for America's freedoms.

"The outpouring of support for the wounded warriors was incredible," Rakers said. "From the guides and the military officials giving their time to local businesses giving services or merchandise to help outfit the hunters, every donation was appreciated, and helped make this hunt a great success."

Whether it is shooting, hunting, fishing or archery, there is no limit to the outdoor opportunities Wheelin' Sportsmen NWTF can bring to a person with disabilities eager to get outside and participate in a more active lifestyle. The program also provides a full-color, quarterly magazine to its members. Wheelin' Sportsmen magazine is dedicated to the education and entertainment of outdoors enthusiasts with disabilities.