The past few days have been special for Army veterans Jason Caudle and Jason Yeates as they have had the opportunity to share a deer hunt with their sons which is sponsored by Wounded War Heroes.
The hunt has been especially significant and emotional for Caudle whose 18-year-old son, Kaleb, killed his first dear. Kaleb has Asperger’s syndrome and was very excited to drop a 3-point buck this past Friday. Yeates’ 13-year-old son, Garrett, also harvested a buck, and both fathers stated that it was much more enjoyable watching their sons than actually making a kill themselves.
Wounded War Heroes is a non-profit organization that works directly with veterans, whose mission statement reads: “Wounded War Heroes was founded to show our appreciation to the men and women who have been wounded while in combat, by providing them therapeutic outdoor experiences upon their return home from fighting for our country. Our sole purpose is to show these veterans they are not forgotten for their courageous service to our nation.”
Wounded War Heroes provides everything necessary for the hunt including licenses, the cost of a trophy mount, meat processing and more. Travis Prisock donated lodging accommodations at this hunting lodge off Loakfoma Road, and professional chef Demetrio Marquez and his father, Jose, were on hand to do the cooking this past weekend.
Prisock stated that these veterans have given so much for their country that helping donate the hunt is the least he can do. Marquez, whose father is an Army veteran, stated that it was an honor to be able to cook for the hunters.
Wounded War Hero Senior Veteran Liaison, Mike Cheramie, stated that many veterans return from the war zone feeling that they no longer fit in with society and many veterans commit suicide, and Wounded War Heroes is literally saving lives by offering bonding experiences for the veterans and the opportunity to be outdoors.
Both Caudle and Yeates spoke of the importance of being out in nature and how the solitude offers an opportunity to ‘re-set,’ and also gives them the chance to connect with others who have shared experiences.
Monetary donations can be made at the Wounded War Heroes website: www.woundedwarheroes.org, and at least 96% of all donations goes directly to aid the veterans. Those interested can also donate such things as trips, equipment, clothing and more.
