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Written by Elizabeth Martin
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Wednesday, 16 September 2009 15:05 |
“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.”
-Jose Narosky
According to the Brooking’s Institute’s Iraq Index (published July 8, 2009), 31,430 U.S. troops have been seriously wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. What consideration is there for many of these veterans once they are back home and unable to resume the lives they had prior to their deployments? Across the U.S., grass roots organizations are raising awareness and support for our troops. There is such an organization in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Founded in February of 2009, Hunts for Healing (HFH) was formed to establish a fund to sponsor wounded soldiers returning from military missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and veterans who have successfully completed the Wounded Warrior Program through Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in Washington, D.C. HFH allows them to participate in outdoor programs such as hunter safety; clay target shooting; pheasant, upland and small game hunting, fishing, and camping in NEPA.
The mission and field of interest of HFH are to create an atmosphere that promotes challenges in the outdoors and healing from within. With the assistance of volunteer guides, mentors, and trained field dogs, the experiences HFH provides aides in physical, emotional, and spiritual healing and provides social interaction that can help the soldiers transition back into their daily lives.
Nestled snugly in the Endless Mountains of Laceyville, Bradford County, is Ringneck Ridge, a pheasant-hunting preserve that serves HFH as a welcome respite from the confines of a hospital environment. Providing a home away from home, home-cooked meals, and a relaxing atmosphere for the physically challenged soldiers is its goal. At Ringneck Ridge, the hunters stay in a rustic, knotty pine lodge home originally built and designed by a paraplegic gentleman, making it handicapped accessible— a must for the convenience and comfort of the participants. The visiting soldiers are provided with gear for their hunting and fishing outings. Fellowship and meals with local volunteers, veterans, neighbors, and mentors at Ringneck Ridge provide the bonding of social interaction and friendship.
Mindy and her husband, John Piccotti, purchased the home in May of 2007 as part of a parcel of land acquired to expand their preserve; they knew then that they wanted to do something with it, but they weren’t sure what.
“Who would have imagined finding a place like this out in the wilderness?,” asked Mindy, who served as an Army medic during the Vietnam era.
Further conversations with friends and now fellow HFH board members, Vice President/Treasurer Barb Roberts and President John Yenason, both of Dallas, were the springboard that led them to Walter Reed. Their mission was to determine if the services that would be provided by HFH would be a good fit for the rehabilitated men and women. After a tour of the facility, introductions to several participants, and exchange of information with program Director Ross Calquohoun, the first hunting event was scheduled for March of 2009.
Mindy likes to tell the story of a hunter who happened by on his way home from New York one day, in September of 2007. Coincidentally, he had seen a sign for Ringneck Ridge and decided to visit the preserve. The hunter was Jack Cleary, father of the late 1st Lt. Michael Cleary. Jack has since become involved in making sure that the soldiers have a memorable experience during their stay.
In addition to Mindy, who serves HFH as its director of events, Roberts and Yenason, Secretary Tammy Smith provides administrative and computer support. Yenason lends his business background and technical expertise in weapons.
“Like a magnet, we were all brought together,” Mindy said.
Roberts’s involvement is the result of the death of Michael Cleary, the fiancé of her daughter, Erin Kavanagh. Since Michael’s tragic death in 2005, Roberts has dedicated much of her free time volunteering for the 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary Memorial Fund.
“Mikey was the inspiration for Hunts for Healing,” Roberts said. “He loved spending time in the outdoors, hunting and fishing. As an officer, his first concern was for the welfare of the men and women who he served with. Providing these experiences for our wounded soldiers only seems fitting.”
Roberts shared her thoughts about injuries sustained by the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Many of the veterans are amputees; most suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). In addition to life-altering internal injuries to major organs, severe burns and injuries to bones, muscle, nerves, and tissue top the list,” she said. “Traumatic brain injury is also common due to the percussion of the IEDs, shrapnel, or other head trauma. Many soldiers face years of surgeries before leaving Walter Reed; many have not had a home-cooked meal or a decent night’s sleep since their injuries. They are disconnected from their families, friends, spouses children, and community, and often find it impossible to return to their former jobs. They carry the burden of wondering if they will be able to be productive in society again; their lives are a fragment of what they were...”
Major Kent Solheim lost his leg to injuries sustained while conducting combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He attended the first HFL event in March and had much to say about his experience at Ringneck Ridge.
“From our arrival at the Lodge until we left, we were made to feel welcome and enjoyed five wonderful and relaxing days in the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside. This time allowed all that participated the opportunity to not only enjoy an incredible event, but also to reflect on what freedom costs,” Solheim said. “Generations of patriots that have defended our country’s sovereignty in Vietnam, the deserts of Iraq during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan shared stories and tears of their many memories and losses.”
“I have forged deep and lasting friendships with the people of Laceyville,” he added. “I have had the chance to say thanks to other men and women who have served in foreign wars, I have learned to better adapt with my limitations, and I am reminded of what kind of fiber America is made of and what makes this country so worth fighting for.”
Hunts for Healing is solely supported by private donations. Tax-deductible contributions provide HFH the ability to pay for lodging, meals, hunting gear and clothing, fishing equipment, licenses, targets, ammo, safety gear, and transportation expenses.
“We would especially like to thank the greater community of Laceyville who have supported HFH, not only with their dollars, but their time, compassion, and friendship,” Roberts said. “The soldiers we serve leave knowing that they are appreciated for their service to our country and will forever be touched by the generosity and helping hands of our volunteers.”
For more information about HFH, visit the organization’s website at www.huntsforhealing.org.
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