The Paralyzed Veterans of America’s (PVA) world-class sports program moves disabled veterans from hospital beds to taking their first steps back to independence, through trap shooting, hunting, fishing and other sports.
Independence Though Outdoor Sports
In a recent statement, Joseph L. Fox, Sr. (U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.) Chairman of the Board of the Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund, which helps foot the bill for the program, said people only need to see the faces of the guys and gals, many of whom had lost the will to live when they were injured, to understand the impact outdoor sports have on their lives.
Veteran Ken Katter Talks About a North Carolina Hunt
Bill Crisp, a North Carolina resident and maker of the Huntmaster, a shooting house on hydraulic lifts that allows handicapped hunters, even those in chairs, to hunt from a 15-foot-high blind, recently hosted four veterans for a hunt on his property.
U.S. Army Sergeant Ken Katter was one of the participants. Katter served eight years in the Marine Corps and 4.5 years with the Army's 82nd Airborne out of Fort Braggm where he continues to serve today. His injury was the result of an IED Blast in Diyala Province, AsSadah, Iraq.
Katter, who was a hunter before his accident, shared his thoughts about the PVA's program with Suite101.
"There's nothing better than being back in the woods. It's a chance for me to put my body to the test and see how far I have progressed since my injury," Katter said. "Man, I have a long way to go but it is worth it."
Katter admitted that some of the command where his is, doesn't believe is good to have a recovering, combat-wounded soldier back in the woods carrying a gun.
"On the contrary," Katter said. "If I can't hunt and fish and enjoy the outdoors what the heck is left for me?
"Thanks to the PVA, North Carolina Handicap Hunters, other organizations and private landowners who want to help veterans get back on track," Katter added. "I would have a difficult time getting into the woods. It's hard for me to say, but I need help ... help getting to a hunting spot, help getting into a deer blind, help getting a downed animal back to camp and help skinning the animal."
Take Advantage of PVA's Outdoor Sports Programs
Vets who want to get involved in the outdoor sports program should contact PVA or visit its Web site. PVA supports many different outdoor sports including fishing, recreational shooting, hunting, handcycling and other sports. PVA's events are open to America's paralyzed veterans and all people with disabilities.
PVA's Bass Tour consists of six two-day tournaments, held at various locations countrywide. Tournaments consist of an Open/Team Competition for anglers who want to fish from a boat and a Bank Competition for those who prefer fishing from shore.
In PVA's National Trapshoot Circuit, disabled and able-bodied shooters compete equally in recreational and competitive sport of trapshooting.
The hunting program is possible as a result of donated hunting lands and contributions from individuals and corporate sponsors. Hunts are listed and promoted on PVA's Web site.
Help the Program and Help a Vet
There are a number of ways to help PVA:
- Make a personal gift
- Make a gift at work through the Combined Federal Campaign and the United Way
- Organize a fund-raising event. Contact Major General Randy West (U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.) at randywest0782@aol.com
- Become an Outdoor Recreation Heritage Fund sponsor. Contact Joe Fox at jfoxpva@verizon.net
- Volunteer at an event. Contact Andy MacDonald at 202.416.7620 or via email at andym@pva.org
- Donate an activity venue for a day or two: a shooting range, hunting lodge or fishing trip.
“We have thousands of men and women who have returned from war with varying degrees of injuries — far more deserving veterans than available hunts or other trips," explained Lt. Col. Lew Deal, USMC (ret), PVA-ORHF’s National Program Coordinator. "We have great need for more outdoor opportunities and for enough funds to cover the costs of a soldier’s participation.”
Laurie Lee Dovey - By Laurie Lee Dovey
