By Steve Weisman
Outdoor Editor
The weekend of November 14-16 was a special one for volunteers from the Iowa Great Lakes Pheasants Forever chapter as they hosted their annual Veterans Pheasant Hunt. Mary Jo Rapp, one of the volunteers noted, “As anticipated our weekend was both humbling and rewarding as we welcomed 10 veterans on the hunt, including one veteran who brought his 15-year-old daughter.”
A total of 10 veterans were part of the hunt with six with the Foundation for Exceptional Warriors (FEW) traveling from Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, along with four in Iowa from Estherville, Britt, Sutherland and Langdon.
The weather for the entire weekend was perfect beginning with the meet and greet on Friday afternoon for a little target practice and then a meal at Lunker’s afterwards. According to Rapp, “We made sure that both volunteers and veterans had plenty to eat throughout the weekend.” The pre-hunt and post-hunt meals gave the hunters the chance to connect and share stories of each day’s events. From the hunts to the food to the friendships forged, it was an incredible weekend.
Limits were taken each day, and veterans shared their thoughts about the weekend of hunting and comradery. Matthew Jones, a U. S. Navy veteran from Kansas City, said, “Best weekend I have experienced hunting in my life. I am forever grateful for the hospitality and loving people with this weekend.”
Meanwhile, Brent Montgomery, from Strang, OK., reflected, “Outstanding weekend in the field hunting birds. Loved watching the dogs work and the chance to spend time with other veterans. Thank you all for everything you do.”
Ryan Hale, U. S. Army veteran from Sutherland, IA., added, “What an awesome weekend with great people. Thank you to everyone involved with the Veterans Hunt.”
FEW is a national organization that began in 2012. It has as its mission to provide adventures to unite, reward and inspire those that have served together to heal together. Since 2012, FEW has put thousands of Exceptional Warriors in the field throughout the United States, Canada, France, Africa and New Zealand.
