Date: August 20-22, 2022
Location: Carrizozzo, NM Heroes Served: 2 Details: WHHC sent Heroes William Shilling (Lake) and Max Hurtz (Lurch) to New Mexico on an antelope hunt. The weather was forecasted to rain all day Saturday but we tried to stay optimistic. Sunday morning, we woke up to some fog and some light showers. After a few hours they spotted a herd with a couple mature bucks and a few does. We set off for a short walk to get in positions for a good shot. Lurch was able to get about 450 yards away and he was able to harvest his first pronghorn. On our way back to camp to drop Lurch’s buck off, we about a ¼ mile from camp we spotted another mature buck about 150 yards away. Lake and Brandon headed to an area for a good shot about 50 yards away and he was also able to harvest his first pronghorn. Even though the weather didn’t seem to want to cooperate, it was a very fun and exciting weekend hunt. Made some great memories and helped two deserving Heroes unwind and clear their minds for a few days. Date: July 9-10, 2022
Location: Lake Erie, PA Heroes Served: 2 Details: WHHC sent 2 Heroes to Lake Erie for 2 days of walleye fishing with Bushwacker Charters hosted by T.B. Wilderness Lodge. The first morning the Heroes woke up bright and early eager to get out on the water only to find out that mother nature was not going to let that happen. Overnight the winds had picked up causing the water to become very choppy. Upon waking up the next morning the winds calmed down enough to get out on the water. Usually this time of year the fish are on the smaller side, but this was not the case for our Heroes. All but a few fish were large including a bonus steelhead that was caught. The Heroes had caught their limits within a few hours and our volunteers fileted all the fish for the Heroes to take home. A huge thank you to Bushwackers Carters and to T.B. Wilderness Lodge for making this weekend one to remember! Date: June 27-29, 2022
Location: Rock Hall, MD Heroes Served: 6 Details: Captain Donnie Bayne once again hooked it up for our deserving Heroes! Two days on the water - and everyone had caught their limits in under an hour on both day. Everyone was well fed thanks to the American Legion Post 228, well taken care of by Captain Bayne, and took home plenty of fish and new fun stories to share. Thanks again to Captain Bayne for his unwavering dedication to always making our trips a big success! Date: May 12-14, 2022
Location: Wattsburg, PA Heroes Served: 3 Details: WHHC hosted Heroes Nicholas Flores (USMC), Michael Sumner (USMC), and Sam Zentkovich (Army) for 2 days of spring gobbler hunting in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Once the patterning of the shotguns on Thursday was done, it was time to hit the woods Friday morning. Michael wasted no time bagging his first ever mature tom just after legal light. Nicholas sealed the deal on his first ever turkey a couple hours later. Sam and his guide hunted hard both days and had a nice gobbler put on a show for them but regrettably he stayed out of range. All heroes received custom turkey pot calls made by Dunn & Son's Custom calls as well as mouth calls made by Kelly Davis. We also received a wonderful donation from American Legion Post #105 for this event where we had dinner on Friday night. Date: May 8-11, 2022
Location: Mayport, PA Heroes Served: 1 Details: WHHC sent Hero Bernie Altman to Mayport, PA to hunt at the Kelley farm. Bernie arrived Sunday morning where he was greeted by Jeff, Jack, and Codi. After the meet and greet everyone settled in and had some great conversations, shared tons of laughs, and great food. On day 2 almost as soon as our group was in the blind the turkeys started gobbling. Not long after a beautiful tom came strutting into the decoy, perfectly aligned for Bernie to harvest. Bernie was so thrilled to be able to harvest such a beautiful bird. That night Bernie put on a magic show for everyone. This kind of adventure really is the definition of "healing on the hunt". The camaraderie that is often lost once Heroes are out of the service is something that truly brings everyone together. The lifelong friendships that are made make trips like this special for the Heroes. A huge thank you to Jeff Kelley for opening up his farm to take our Hero out! Date: May 5-7, 2022
Location: Hollidaysburg, PA Heroes Served: 2 Details: WHHC once again sent 2 Heroes to the T.B Wilderness Lodge in Hollidaysbug, PA to attend our annual Spring Turkey hunt. Heroes Bryan Larson and David Young arrived Thursday afternoon where they were greeted by The Belinda family. This hunt is not only about trying to harvest a turkey; it is truly the definition of healing on the hunt. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. Despite the rain, the Heroes saw and heard turkeys over the 2 days, but they were not able to coax one into range. Both Heroes enjoyed their time spent at the lodge and are looking forward to staying in touch with their new lifelong friends. A huge thank you, as always, to the Belinda Family for your ongoing support and hospitality! Date: April 2-3, 2022
Location: Jasper, TX Heroes Served: 5 Details: WHHC sent wounded Heroes to Jasper, Texas to compete in a two-day Bass Fishing Tournament. The Heroes spent their weekend on Sam Rayburn Reservoir chasing that elusive double digit bass. We are thankful to once again participate in this annual event. A special shout out to Terry Bland from Retrievers for Warriors who always makes this event a huge, fun success. Date: January 14-17, 2022
Location: King George, VA Heroes Served: 2 Details: We sent 2 Heroes to Virginia to attend a Sea Duck hunt on the Potomac River with Beak Whackers. Heroes Josh and Anthony started their weekend with lots of stories and laughs over a meet and greet dinner. The Heroes woke up bright and early the next day and were unfortunately told that the water was too dangerous to go out on. After a few quick phone calls our group was invited to a field to goose hunt. Once the decoys were setup, the geese started flying, but unfortunately they wouldn't commit to the decoys. Our group met up bright and early Sunday with the crew and headed to the calmer river. The Heroes hopped on the boat and were dropped off in the blind while the crew set up the decoys. As soon as the decoys were set the ducks started flying and landing all over the place. The Heroes both shot lots of first time birds and had their limit pretty quickly. This hunt provided the Heroes with new friendships, lots of laughs and the camaraderie that most veterans miss. Date: December 31, 2021
Location: Chestertown, MD Heroes Served: 3 and a spouse Details: Donnie Bayne led another goose hunt in an attempt to close out the season with a BANG on New Year's Eve. Heroes James, Andrew, Timothy, and his wife Erin, met up in Chestertown, MD looking for geese. The weather was weird, with a thick fog which kept the geese from flying. Our group took down a single goose by 0815, but it turned out to be a long morning in the blind. By 1130, there hadn't had any geese within a few hundred yards and the plan was to pack up at 1200. The 65 degree temperatures, thick fog, and the very light and variable breeze were simply working against our group. In a last ditch effort, Donnie began flagging and calling, pulling in a couple groups of birds between 1130 and 1200, and our group quickly and successfully limited out. Date: December 24, 2021
Location: Chestertown, MD Heroes Served: 4 Details: WHHC Heroes Chris, Drew, James, and Chris met up with guide Donnie Bayne in Chestertown, Maryland in an effort to bag a Christmas Goose. With unseasonably warm weather, they climbed into the blind, not knowing if the birds would actually cooperate. Luck was on their side, and Donnie made it look easy as he worked a few birds that were flying by. By 0800 our Heroes' tags were filled! After they picked up the decoys, had breakfast, and swapped phone numbers our group of Heroes already started planning future trips together! Date: December 9-12, 2021
Location: Martinsville, IL Heroes Served: 2 Details: WHHC Heroes Doug and Jacob traveled to Martinsville, Illinois to attend our annual deer hunt event. They enjoyed some great company and great food. The first afternoon hunt is when 1 of our heroes connected on a buck of a lifetime. The next day our other Hero connected on a nice buck. We tracked it for awhile and unfortunately we could not recover him. Both of our Heroes made new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. A huge thank you to everyone who has made this trip possible and also a big thank you to the Baston family. Date: December 5-8, 2021
Location: Hollidaysburg, PA Heroes Served: 2 Details: Our Heroes arrived and were greeted with a delicious dinner by the Belinda family and friends. The deer were uncooperative for the first morning sit, but stories were shared among property guides and Heroes. The second and third days of hunting turned out great. Nate (Fred's son) harvested a nice doe on day two, and Anthony harvested a beautiful doe on day three. Both Heroes took meat home for their freezers. A special thanks to The Belinda Family and everyone who assisted with this annual event. Date: December 3-5, 2021
Location: Ripley, NY Heroes Served: 4 Details: Our Heroes met up at the Country Cabin and got settled in for the weekend. Once all of the guides arrived we headed out to the range to confirm zeros on the rifles and then headed to the woods for an evening sit. The heroes and guides worked diligently to lay the hammer down on a New York whitetail but unfortunately the deer won this round. Lasting friendships were made and the stories were nonstop all weekend. Date: December 3-5, 2021
Location: Brookville, PA Heroes Served: 2 Details: WHHC Heroes Craig and Daniel traveled to northwestern Pennsylvania to hunt at Camp Buck Snort. Our heroes put in some long days in the tree stands. They enjoyed some good company and great food. These two heroes made lasting memories and new friendships that will last a lifetime. Date: October 28-November 1, 2021
Location: Nicholasville, KY Heroes Served: 3 Details: WHHC was fortunate enough to once again be able to send Heroes out to Whitetail Heaven lodge in Kentucky. Todd, Doug, and Fred wasted no time getting into the tree stands and hunting blinds. Several deer were seen, lots of good food was had, and countless conversations were shared. A special thank you to the staff at Whitetail Heaven, you truly went above and beyond and we couldn't have asked for a better time for our deserving Heroes. Date: October 16-23, 2021
Location: Chinook, MT Heroes Served: 3 Details: Heroes Bobby, Bryan, and Chris were able to fill their tags within the first three days at the Montana Dream Ranch. The weather was beautiful and the remaining days were filled with four wheeler and side-by-side rides, and a search for dinosaur bones. Thank you to our Heroes for the camaraderie, friendship and lasting memories. And to our volunteers and donors - we appreciate all of your support for these Heroes out healing on the hunt and are looking forward to another adventure next year! Date: October 11-16, 2021
Location: Long Bottom, OH Heroes Saved: 2 Details: WHHC was fortunate enough to once again send 2 deserving Heroes out with Hupp Outfitters for some of the finest whitetail hunting Ohio has to offer. The Heroes wasted no time and were in the blind for an evening hunt on the day of their arrival! Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate very much during the week as temperatures were in the 80’s, but each Hero had shot opportunities on big bucks. Both Heroes saw a ton of deer and had an absolute blast. Date: October 10-16, 2021
Location: Quemado, NM Heroes Served: 3 Details: WHHC Heroes Jennifer, Justin, and Luis traveled to the Low Chamissa Ranch in New Mexico. Alongside Old West Guides and Outfitters, our Heroes got to experience some of the finest elk hunting New Mexico has to offer. After some long days and nights, and freezing cold temperatures , all 3 of our Heroes were successfully able to kill their first ever dream bull elk! An amazing experience was had by all, including our wonderful volunteers, guides, and donors. Date: September 24-25, 2021
Location: Dorchester County, MD Heroes Served: 2 Details: WHHC had the opportunity to send two Heroes to join the Deer Cinch Rod and Gun Club of Dorchester County, MD to hunt the elusive Sika Deer during the pre-rut. These “Swamp Ghosts” offer a tremendous challenge for even the most veteran of hunters. Our Heroes quickly realized that hunting Sika Deer was unlike anything they have ever experienced before. They spent their time hunting out of elevated blinds with Archery equipment. With the help of great hosts and guides, the Heroes were successfully able to fill their tags. Date: September 11-19, 2021
Location: Ophir, Oregon Heroes served: 2 Outcome: Our Heroes Joel and Dave traveled to Oregon and saw elk almost immediately upon their arrival on the ranch. After getting their bows zeroed in, the Heroes selected their blinds. Both of our heroes each successfully took down an elk. This weeklong trip was full of amazing food, hot coffee, warm campfires, great live music, lots of meaningful visits from local townsfolk and relatives, wonderfully kind and generous volunteers, and incredible memories that will last a lifetime. Date: August 20-23, 2021
Location: Carrizozo, NM Heroes served: 2 Outcome: WHHC Heroes Dustin and Curtis arrived in New Mexico and attended a gathering with a few local Vietnam Veterans that welcomed them to the area. The next morning our heroes headed for the hunting grounds and successfully harvested their antelope on the first day. A special thank you to landowner JP Gnatkowski for his generosity in making this event possible. Both of our Heroes report that this event was a trip of a lifetime. We believe in "healing on the hunt" - seeing Dustin and Curtis limit out on the first day was an added bonus to another successful event. Date: June 28-30, 2021
Location: Gloucester, MA Heroes Served: 5 Outcome: Fat Tuna Charters hosted 5 deserving WHHC Heroes to hunt down one of the biggest fish known to man, the giant bluefin tuna. After hours on the water with no action, the rod smacked the side of the boat and our group was hooked up! All of the Heroes took turns reeling in a 338 pound monster. The deck exploded with cheers from everyone - hugs, tears, and high-fives all around! American Legion Post 3 sponsored lunch and dinner, our Heroes ate like kings. We would like to thank them and Captain Bob for their support for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Date: June 2-3, 2021
Location: Rock Hall, MD Heroes Served: 5 Outcome: Captain Donnie Bayne hosted our WHHC group on a fun-filled day of fishing for the elusive Chesapeake Bay Striped Bass. Captain Bayne was truly dedicated to the trip and made sure all 5 of our Heroes went home with some fish. Our Field Guide and Heroes were also treated to an appreciation dinner at FORD's Seafood sponsored by the Women's Auxiliary from American Legion Post 228. The food was amazing, the host made our Veterans feel appreciated, and the portions were beyond generous - they truly fed an Army! Date: May 7-9, 2021
Location: Ripley, NY Heroes served: 3 Outcome: Spring gobbler success! The Field to Freezer Outdoors staff hosted some deserving WHHC Heroes for a fun-filled weekend of turkey hunting. 2 out of 3 Heroes were fortunate enough to take down a bird. A special thanks goes to our volunteers and donors who provided our group with calls, food, and even live music around the campfire. An awesome time was had by all! Date: May 2-5, 2021
Location: Hollidaysburg, PA Heroes served: 2 Outcome: Our heroes had a fantastic few days at the T.B. Wilderness lodge surrounded by great people. They spent their time hunting for turkey, and fishing in a private stocked pond. Both heroes will be returning to the lodge in December to hint for whitetail deer, thanks to the ongoing generosity of the Belinda family. |
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