The FEW-sponsored Spring Turkey Hunt, held April 23-25 in Horton, Missouri, was yet another example of warriors coming together to help heal and empower other warriors.
Thursday morning guides kicked things off by setting up blinds and hunting and bagging a load of Morel mushrooms to be cooked up with fresh fish caught for dinner that night. Warriors hunted each morning, fished each afternoon, and enjoyed great meals each evening, as well as camaraderie and a chance to reconnect with nature, each other, and themselves throughout the event. Another event highlight: David Herring shot an extremely rare double-bearded hen.
But it’s the personal experiences of the warrior-participants themselves that tell the real story:
“I got more than I could ever imagine,” said warrior and first-time hunter Ernie Rosser. “It makes me want to be more involved with helping others . . . I’ve been a very angry person . . . and that event relieved that. I can’t give enough thanks!”
Warrior James Hughes called the event “a great escape from the daily grind” and a great way to strengthen bonds among brothers-in-arms.
Warrior-volunteer and event organizer David Herring was inspired to get involved after participating in the January 2015 Hog Hunt in Texas. He credits the FEW in part with changing his life; it gave him the opportunity to serve the military again by helping provide a different alternative for warriors struggling after their active military service has ended. He did the leg work, arranging for donations of the use of a stocked fishing lake and land for the hunt, volunteers to serve as guides, meals, equipment, and money donations.
The FEW would like to thank everyone who had a part in making the event a great success, including:
David Herring – Warrior and Event Organizer
Lt. Col. Al Kaiser – provided use of land and lakes for hunting and fishing
Apache Motel & Julie Terry – Motel Accommodations
Randy Hargis – Warrior & Hunting Guide
Mark Maples – Warrior & Hunting Guide
Matt McCullough – Hunting Guide
Jared Liles & Family – “One hell of a country style steak dinner!”
Ozark Ridge Turkey Calls, Bill Green, owner – mouth calls for each of the warriors
Academy Sports, Springfield, MO, Jack Blackburn, Manager – 2 Inflatable Hen Decoys
Dominos Pizza, Nevada, MO, Andy Garrison, Manager – Lunch
Curtis Mort – Laser Pointers
Doty Trash Service, Aurora, MO – Money Donation
Michelle Metz – Money Donation