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Date: November 25th, 2025 Location: El Campo, TX Heroes Served: 6 Details: This Thanksgiving week, WHHC had the honor of hosting six Heroes for a nighttime thermal hog hunt. Each Hero was equipped with top-tier gear and guided through a safe, exciting night in the field. Once the blinds were filled, the hunt was on, and the energy in camp was unforgettable.
A few AAR's (After Action Review) from the Heroes who attended: LaShonda, USMC: “Standing alongside our veterans in the quiet of the night, watching the deer move and sharing the calm, made these moments of connection and purpose unforgettable.” Sergio, USMC: “Harvesting my first hog with my son, using thermal scopes, was a rush. The memories we made will last a lifetime. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.” Joe, US Army: “This hunt was amazing. I met outstanding people and felt a breath of fresh air I didn’t realize I needed. Thank you for all you do.” These adventures aren’t just hunts; they are moments of connection, camaraderie, and healing. WHHC exists to give Heroes the chance to reset, enjoy the outdoors, and share time with those who understand their journey. If you are a combat veteran looking for meaningful outdoor experiences, apply for an adventure and come join the WHHC Unit! A huge thank you to Scott Speed (Speed Limit Outfitters) for making this incredible experience possible. Every moment of support helps create memories that heal. We truly appreciate the Speed Limit team. Thank you! Date: November 19th-24th, 2025 Heroes Served: 5 Location: Tiskwilla, IL Details: Last week, WHHC had the incredible honor of sending five Heroes to the Cloverleaf Ranch for an unforgettable whitetail deer hunt.
The Heroes arrived safely in Illinois and were welcomed by WHHC staff members Jeff Kelley, Anthony Gray, Bernie Altman, and David Faville, along with our gracious hosts Franca Fassano and the Faville family, who have supported this event for three years After the Heroes checked into their hotel rooms everyone gathered for a warm dinner and prepared for the days ahead. The following morning, the group traveled to Cloverleaf Ranch for a luncheon and awards ceremony. DNR Conservation Police Officer Brook Stanbary greeted the Heroes and presented their licenses and deer tags. Nearly forty supporters joined us, including donors from Whitetails Unlimited, the local VFW, and a generous individual who donated a motorhome to WHHC to support fundraising efforts. Representatives from the offices of Senator Tammy Duckworth and Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson delivered letters of appreciation, and Quilts of Valor, led by Terri Johnson, honored each Hero with a handmade quilt stitched with gratitude and respect. After lunch, the Heroes headed to the range to check rifles and prepare for the hunt. The days that followed were simply wondeful for the Heroes. Early mornings, cold weather, and long hours never slowed this group down. The camaraderie ran deep, the healing was real, and the success in the field reflected the determination and heart each Hero brought into this experience. On the final evening, Andy Faville, owner of Cloverleaf Ranch, treated the group to a five-star steak dinner, a perfect ending to a week in camp built on connection, gratitude, and the healing power of the outdoors. From all of us at WHHC, thank you to every supporter who made this event possible. And to our Heroes, thank you for giving us the honor of serving you! WHHC Guide: LaShonda Johnson-Hunter Date: November 11th–14th, 2025 Heroes Served: 4 Location: Foreman, Arkansas Details: Each November, we’re blessed with the opportunity to send a few Wounded Heroes to Foreman, Arkansas for an incredible hunt hosted by the Southern Sportsmen Foundation. This is a trip we look forward to each year, and it never fails to deliver an unforgettable experience for our Heroes.
Mr. Mike Cranford and his team put in countless hours fundraising, preparing the property, and getting everything set up so each attendee is taken care of from start to finish. Their commitment shows in the way they run this event, and we’re grateful for everything they do. We just wrapped up this year's hunt and once again, our Heroes had an amazing time. What made this particular hunt special was that all four participants were women veterans. LaShonda Johnson represented WHHC proudly by planning, organizing, and helping these Heroes have the best time possible. The Heroes had an incredible time, both in camp and out in the field. They spent the week connecting, laughing, and finding the kind of healing that only comes from shared stories and time outdoors. The Heroes were successful and got the exact experience they needed. A huge thank you to Mr. Mike Cranford and the entire Southern Sportsmen’s team for everything they do to make this hunt possible. Your dedication directly impacts the healing of our Heroes, and we’re grateful for the heart you put into this event every single year. We’re already looking forward to next year's hunt, when our Heroes can get back to Arkansas and reconnect with the outdoors. Thank you for your service! |
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