Soldiers coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer injuries — both mental and physical — that can make their return difficult. In addition to surgeries, physical therapy and learning to cope with disabilities, the heroes often have trouble with the memories of fighting and the loneliness of being separated from their platoon, from others with similar experiences.
It’s with these warriors in mind that the Friends of American Heroes came to be.
According to its Web site, the group “is an organization whose goal is to honor American military wounded heroes and their families by assisting them with necessary expenses … to participate in a growing number of outdoor recreational opportunities.” Thanks to a television show featuring the group, this mission is now being carried out locally.
Shawn Culp, who saw the segment, did some research and put together the first area event.
In October, eight wounded soldiers from as far as Tennessee and New York were treated to two days of hunting, fishing, camaraderie and, most importantly, healing.
“We call it ‘healing outside the hospital,’” said Bryon Kelly, a wounded veteran and the director outdoor programs for Friends.
“Once these warriors are finished with hospital rehabilitation they rely on each other to heal the not-so-noticeable wounds. On these hunting and fishing trips, they find themselves in an environment with other individuals groing through the same things they are going through and can build on each others experiences.”
The group went fishing at the Castalia trout hatchery and enjoyed dinner donated by local groceries at the Erie County Conservation League. That group also donated clays and an area for trap and skeet shooting. The second day featured a pheasant hunt sponsored by the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association. Those present said not even rain and cool temperatures could keep the spirits down.
“Even in the middle of a chilly October downpour, the group did not want to stop fishing or take a break from hunting,” Culp said.
Tara Riggs, who volunteered throughout the weekend, said the only complaint was that it was over too soon. She, with her daughters Camden, 6, and Dresden, 8, prepared the food and is now looking forward to more events, even expanded ones.
“We’d love to able to host the families too,” Riggs said. An issue near to the Port Clinton resident’s heart. Her husband, Todd, is himself a wounded veteran and she points out that the soldiers’ struggles affect loved ones as well.
“Our goal is not to say no to any veteran,” Riggs said.
To make that happen, the local effort needs some help. Donations including charters, accommodations and groceries will help.
“Some of these guys are driving all night to get here,” Riggs said. “If we can hand them a gas card to get home it helps a lot.”
For information, to donate or volunteer, call Riggs at 419-573-2500 or her husband Todd, at 419-573-2166. Hunting and fishing supplies can be dropped of at the Riggs’ home at 4145 E. State Road, Port Clinton.

More info online at www.friendsofamericanheroes.org

How to help

In order to keep the efforts going and fulfil the mission of turning no solder away, the group is looking for the following donations, to name a few:
• Head boats and charters
• Camping facilities and
motel rooms
• Gas cards
• Gift certificates to
grocery stores
• Hunting and fishing
supplies
• Money
• Volunteers

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comment form

Write comment

Name

Email

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment