Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation will hold its fifth annual hunting and fishing event for Purple Heart recipients Friday through Monday in Rebersburg.
Organized by Sandy Deveney, of Potter Township, and hosted by the Fox Gap and Gravel Spring Rod and Gun Clubs, the event provides an all-expense paid trip for 10 Purple Heart veterans, with guided hunting and fishing with local sportsmen. Besides the fishing and hunting experience, it aims to connect Purple Heart recipients with the outdoors and each other and to be welcomed by the local community.
“It is an honor to host these amazing Purple Heart recipients,’ Deveney said in a release. We consider it a privilege to be able to spend some time on the water, in the field, and around the dinner table with these American heroes. This event is just a small way to express our appreciation for their service and sacrifice, and we hope it will be impactful and memorable time for them. We also want to express our gratitude to the local community and businesses for significant donations that make this event possible.”
When wounded warriors return home, they can find their personal and professional lives have been impacted by their combat experiences. WWIA and local hosts ‘strive to show these heroes that they can still experience and accomplish great things, no matter their current circumstances or challenges,’ according to WWIA.
This and other WWIA events seek to boost brotherhood and camaraderie, bolster self-confidence and strengthen bonds with nature, communities and other Purple Heart recipients.
‘Whether these Heroes suffer from traumatic brain injury, permanent limb disability or post-traumatic stress disorder, these connections are critical to the healing process,’ according to WWIA.
One participant in last year’s event said he was thankful to the organizers, hosts and community for the opportunity. ‘This event was incredible, from introducing us to upland bird hunting to the world class trout we were allowed to catch. Everyone worked hard to make sure we felt welcome as if we were family. The facilities were comfortable, clean and well organized. The hosts took the time to teach us how to fly fish and provided everything.’
WWIA is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to serving combat-wounded Purple Heart recipients by providing outdoor sporting activities ‘as a means to recognize and honor their sacrifice, encourage independence and connections with communities, and promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors.’
