May 24, 2013
Fort Rucker- It’s not quite fall, but a new season has started, hunting. For wounded warriors, it’s easier than ever to spend a day in the woods at Fort Rucker.
“Any time we have wounded warriors come into our area we look at what we can do and what we can improve. When we started doing the wounded warrior hunt we realized this is something that is definitely a win for our soldiers,” said Janice Erdlitz, Director of Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR).
With $40,000 they were able to purchase two tree stands and a track chair. It’s easy to maneuver with just the push of a toggle and can handle almost any terrain.
They hope to expand this to fishing and even biking, but can’t do it without your help.
The post will hold its 3rd Wounded Warrior Hunt October 20-27. It’s $25 bucks to hunt and free for wounded warriors. Money raised will be used to buy more equipment.
Erdlitz said. “It’s not just a hunt for the wounded warriors, the hunt is open to the general public, but the main focus is bringing those soldiers here and providing them an opportunity where the focus is on them. We’re there to support them.”
There will be more than ever to support. Fifty wounded warriors are expected to come from across the southeast.
“We don’t want them to see the limitations. We’ve taken that away with these pieces of equipment. They don’t have to worry about trying to walk through the woods. They don’t have to worry about trying to access an area they can’t get to,” said Erdlitz.
Giving them that access, opens up a world of possibilities.
“They cry. They’re happy. We do what we’re there for. They just want an outlet, and they want to relax and enjoy the rest of their life,” said John Owen Clancy, Outdoor Recreation Program Manager, MWR.
www.ftruckermwr.com
