|
South Dakota VFW Hosts Disabled Veterans Pheasant Hunt
In 2005, when VFW member Pat McGrath invited disabled veterans to come pheasant hunting, he had no idea he was starting something big.
“I’ve had this idea for a while, to get the disabled into the field,” said McGrath, member of VFW Post 3179, Faulkton, S.D. “But I should have started it 20 years sooner!”
McGrath’s brainchild soon evolved into the VFW Pheasant Hunt for Disabled War Veterans, an annual event that disabled veterans apply to attend.
Veterans selected for the hunt have a 100% disability rating from the VA, and many are amputees. They travel to South Dakota from all over the country, and the VFW covers all their expenses, including their hunting licenses.
The veterans arrive during the first week of November, but they don’t just hunt pheasants. They also meet with local school children to talk about their experiences.
“Talking to the kids really helps the veterans deal with what they’ve overcome, and the kids just love listening,” said McGrath. “I had one young veteran come on the hunt, and the experience really changed him and helped him figure some things out.
“Now, he’s really involved with his church and volunteer work.”
Over the years, the best part for McGrath has been the instant bond that the veterans shared during the hunt.
“A veteran can talk about their experience and we can all relate because we’ve been there before,” he said. “The camaraderie is just unbelievable.”
Word of the pheasant hunt has spread across the nation. Donations come from all over the country, as well as VFW National Headquarters. VFW members travel far and wide to witness the experience.
This event is more popular than I ever thought it would be,” said McGrath. “I remember wearing the t-shirt from the hunt at the National Convention, and everyone came up to congratulate me. It really makes a guy feel good.”
McGrath always looks forward to the first week of November and spending time with the veterans.
“This hunt is a great way to thank these heroes for everything they’ve done,” he said. “We really couldn’t find a better group of guys.” |
