Hunting with Heroes thrives in its fourth year

     In 2001, local charity “Hunting with Heroes” was founded to thank a group of wounded warriors for their sacrifices by offering an Iowa pheasant hunt with some local sportsmen. While hunting remains at the core of the charity’s mission each year, it is clear that after a successful fourth year, this pheasant hunt has turned into much more for the local community. Beyond honoring our Purple Heart guests from afar, this event now doubles as a platform to honor our local veterans, widows of veterans, and their families like many in this community have never experienced. 

     On November 7-10, the Lakota and Buffalo Center communities once again hosted a group of U.S. Marines who had been injured in combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. This year, a group of four Marines participated in the event and were joined by two Marines who had participated in the first annual event in 2011. All six Marines, ranging from Sergeant to Chief Warrant Officer 3, had received Purple Hearts for injuries sustained in combat missions serving our country and for the freedom of those around the world.

     The six Marines hail from various parts of our country, including Ohio, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Wisconsin, and one born near Albia, IA. After three days in Iowa, the Marines shared their thanks for the chance to get away from their doctor’s appointments, escape issues with the VA, and to cherish memories of lost friends.

     See story in this week's Tribune.