SUMMERS COUNTY W.Va. (Hinton News) – On Nov. 11 and 12, West Virginia based, Warriors in the Field LTD visited Summers County for a very fitting visit as it was also Veterans’ Day weekend.
Warriors in the Field’s mission is to take Veterans from this great country to the outdoors on hunting and fishing trips to various destinations. This allows Veterans, who might not otherwise have an opportunity to enjoy some of the great outdoor experiences that great country has to offer.
While this might be the mission, there are other important side effects. Many veterans returning from service find it difficult because the sense of brotherhood and camaraderie that service members have with one another is missing. This can be difficult for most who have not served to understand, but when you count on your “Brothers and Sisters” every day for everything, it creates an extremely strong bond. This organization provides that bond for many veterans.
Tragically, 22 Veterans take their own lives each day in this country, a fact that organization founder Dave Whittaker of Elkins, West Virginia, knows all too well. His father was one of those 22. Having been unable to serve himself, he felt an urgent need to give something back to the Veteran community. And, as a Veteran, I can attest to his success.
Tom Conway of Hinton, who has only been involved with this organization for seven months, has witnessed firsthand the difference that this organization makes. While the hunts and fishing trips provide many enjoyable experiences, they are just the backdrop to the real benefit; brotherhood.
While in Summers County, the group visited the John Henry Park and Bluestone Dam, stayed at Gateway Garden Getaway Properties Airbnb, and enjoyed dinner on Saturday night at River City Grill. There were over a dozen veteran volunteers and their families in attendance. All veterans in the group were presented with cards and drawings of gratitude from three amazing young ladies, Jasmine, Christianna and Skye, the daughters of two of our great volunteers, Army Veteran Charlie Treadway and Leslie Hamrick of Oak Hill, West Virginia.
On Sunday the group participated in a “Cast and Blast”, hunting for geese and fishing for smallmouth bass, adventure with New River Trophy Outfitters. The morning started with cold temperatures but soon warmed up at the first encounter with geese. All that can be said about that first encounter, the geese were victorious, and it was still cold. Later, a couple of the Veterans were able to harvest some birds.
The fishing was tough, but everyone in the group managed to catch fish. The highlight of the trip was, as is always the case, the brotherhood and camaraderie. Laughter filled the Gorge all day Sunday as Vets joked, and ribbed each other about their branch of the service and their aim when shooting. The guides from New River Trophy Outfitters joined right in and made the day even more special.
Air Force Veteran, Jeff Stewart, of Hinton, West Virginia, said of the experience, “Although it was cold in the morning and the fishing was slow and the shooters couldn’t hit a whole flock of geese it was a great day. Having fellowship with other veterans who share the same experiences and feelings for this great country. Thanks to Troy, Charlie, and Tommy (New River Trophy Outfitters). They did a great job of putting us on fish and giving advice. Looking forward to doing it again.”
Army Veteran Ted Anderson of Beckley, West Virginia, the top fisherman for the day, added, “The Warriors in the Field organization is a top-notch organization! They really take care of the vets and make you feel like you’re in a brotherhood. The cast and blast was exactly what it says it is. I had a blast with a good guy and guide. I’ll never forget the great time that I had! Salute!”
Air Force Veteran Matt Corcoran, of Elkins, West Virginia, stated, “The day was amazing. Warriors is fantastic for allowing us to be able to do this. Dave always does so much for us as Veterans.”
Army Veteran Jacob Daniels of Elkins, West Virginia, had this to say, “Man, this day was a lot of fun. Thank you for inviting me.” Daniels is a man of few words, but his smile throughout the day spoke volumes.
Air Force Veteran and volunteer Tom Conway added, “To have the experience of floating through some of God’s most beautiful country with this group of Veteran Brothers is an experience I will always treasure. I am proud to be able to volunteer my time with such a worthy and honorable organization. A huge thanks to New River Trophy Outfitters for making this such a memorable trip.”
Warriors In the Field, LTD. would like to thank River City Grill, Gateway Garden Getaway Properties, and New River Trophy Outfitters for their part in making this memorable experience happen. The group hopes to return to Summers County and Hinton many times in the future to allow other Veterans these same opportunities.
If you would like to nominate a Veteran or donate to the organization, please visit their website at www.warriorsinthefield.org You may also donate by mailing your donation to Warriors In The Field, LTD., PO Box 1183, Elkins, WV 26421.
You can follow Warriors in the Field on Facebook at Warriors in the Field, LTD.
