Barksdale hosts 3rd Annual Wounded Warrior hunt

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin High
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The Barksdale Wounded Warrior Association hosted a hunt for six wounded service members Nov. 7 to 10 at Barksdale AFB.

This hunt was the third annual event put together to provide a stress-free, relaxing weekend through camaraderie and rehabilitation.

According to Bill Lee, 2nd Civil Engineering Squadron hazardous material waste manager and Wounded Warrior hunt event coordinator, the event is sponsored by the local community.

"We bring them in on Friday and host a dinner with some of our local sponsors to show appreciation to the wounded warriors," said Lee. "It's cool that we take people who aren't from here, and people who don't know them gather to show support and step up to provide all of their needs for the hunt."

Sponsors provide funding for the food, lodging and transportation for the participants, as well as handicap-accessible deer blinds, camouflage, binoculars and any other equipment needed to supply a successful hunt.

"Our hope is for the hunt to be therapeutic," said Lee. "We want to give them the opportunity to escape the clinical environment they've been in and give them an opportunity to come out and enjoy the outdoors."

The participant can be specially released from the hospital in some cases to come out and test their new prostheses and their limitations to see how effective it'll be in a real world situation.

Charlie Linville, a retired Marine Corps Staff Sgt., participated in the hunt this year.

"It's nice when people go out of their way to give back and say thank you," said Linville. "We all volunteered to serve our country and a thank you goes a long way with every service member, but to be able to come down here and have this much support as a wounded veteran, it means a lot and it's very humbling."

Whatever the injury, it happens in a flash and causes lives to change overnight, he added.

"The mental and spiritual ramifications of that moment don't change overnight," said Linville, "It takes years to recover from some of these injuries, which can be depressing at times. To see the resiliency and great attitudes from these guys is amazing and to be able to get a break from the hospital and come down here to do something out of your everyday routine is overwhelming and it means a lot to all of us."

Overall, the hunt was a success and the hunters came back to camp with a victory fish-fry and eight doe from the 18,000 acres of the Barksdale hunting grounds. The meat will be divided and equally distributed amongst the warriors.

"It takes a lot of money for these activities and we've been very fortunate the community has gotten behind us to help support us in making these events a huge success," said Lee. "This experience has a healing effect to create lasting memories and new friendships thanks to those in the community that got involved for their support."