“It’s beautiful up here. It’s definitely paradise.” Those were the words of Anthony Cuccia speaking of a hunting lodge on Loakfoma Rd. owned by Travis Prisock, surrounded by approximately 400 acres of hunting ground, and just a stone’s throw from the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge.
Cuccia was one of a group of veterans, members of the Wounded War Heroes, who enjoyed a deer hunt donated by Prisock and Todd Ronquillo. The veterans are all from Louisiana.
According to Mike Chesne, former Wounded War Heroes chairman and current board member, this organization is not to be confused with Wounded Warrior Project. 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.”
Chesne said the organization sponsors hunting trips, fishing trips, hiking trips, ski trips and much more, and that it is for men and women who have been wounded in combat or who have been disabled as a result of their military service.
All events are free of charge to the veterans. For the Winston hunting trip, lodging, food, fuel, hunting licenses were all provided. Chesne added that if one of the hunters had a trophy kill the Wounded War Heroes would go so far as to have it mounted.
Chesne said these events mean so much to the veterans because, “people who don’t know them at all, don’t have any personal connection with them, still care about them because of what they did for their country.”
All funding for the Wounded War Heroes comes from private donation, and 98% of all donations go directly to aiding its members. The organization accepts monetary donations, as well as hunting, fishing, ski trips, etc. and vehicles which are usually refurbished and sold.
Todd Ronquillo, a close friend of Travis Prisock, and brother of Wounded War Heroes board member Terry Ronquillo, stated that he and Prisock felt it was time to give something back to these veterans which led to their donating the hunt.
Terry Ronquillo stated that he has very close ties with the military, with many family members who have and are currently serving. He added that these events are important to the veterans because it gets them off the couch and into the outdoors, spending time with those who have shared experiences. Also, the camaraderie and the bonds that are created are of extreme importance.
Veteran Chad Honeycutt stated that the bonds created in the military are sometimes stronger than those of family, and it is difficult to find that outside of the service.
Anyone wishing to donate or to become a member of the Wounded War Heroes can visit: www.woundedwarheroes.org.
