In spite of harsh weather, the Trigg County Longspurs Chapter helped several wounded veterans bring home some birds during the Wounded Warriors Outdoors Spring Turkey Hunt in Kentucky in April.

The event was a first in Kentucky for the Wounded Warriors Outdoors program. Members of the Trigg County Longspurs called the birds in and "Turkey Call" TV cameras were on hand to record the action.

"The birds cooperated not only with our hunters, but with the cameras as well," said Wounded Warriors Outdoors representative Ron Raboud. "The support of the local community was unbelievable and the Trigg County Longspurs were great callers and hung in with us for the entire hunt. The wounded vets made the event even more special."

Raboud said what makes Wounded Warriors Outdoors different than other charities is that all the guest hunters are active duty wounded soldiers in transition.

"They all travel to our hunts directly from the hospital and go back to the hospital after each trip," he said. "The opportunities we provide are totally focused on the outdoors and the therapeutic opportunities it provides."

Because most of the guest hunters suffer from traumatic brain injuries, Raboud plans to include a calling class before each hunt.

"This will help stimulate the cognitive connection between what the eyes see and what the brain is able to process," he said. "It will also allow the guests to participate more in the hunt."

Next year's event will be held the first four days of Kentucky's spring turkey season.

Illana Burkhart
Wheelin' Sportsmen Coordinator

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Time for change

When Wheelin' Sportsmen came to the NWTF in 2001, it was a small, yet meaningful way to fill a void in the lives of people with disabilities. We held 20 events that first year, all in the Southeast. But NWTF volunteers quickly embraced the program. By 2004, there were more than 100 events, and members in 20 states.

I'm proud there are 328 events planned for 2011, helping us reach more than 9,000 people with disabilities.

I've spent most of the last decade (8½ years to be exact) as part of the Wheelin' Sportsmen family. I've made many memories and seen many changes. Throughout each period of change at the NWTF, concerned folks would ask me, "What is going to happen to Wheelin' Sportsmen?" My answer, each time: "Nothing, other than grow."

I've had some personal changes during that time too. The Lord has blessed me with two boys, Jackson, 4, and Barrett, 1. Jackson has pretty much grown up at Wheelin' Sportsmen events. Because of it, he has developed a love of the outdoors and what seems like a true understanding of celebrating everyone's differences. I hope to pass along those same traits to Barrett one day.

Over the years, Wheelin' Sportsmen and its members have become like family to me. It's not just what I do for a living; it's now part of who I am. In a way, it's like I have three kids, with the oldest being Wheelin' Sportsmen. I've loved, nurtured and watched it grow to the success it is now.

However, it's time I turn my focus on my biological children, and be a full-time mother. These early years pass by too quickly, and I don't want to miss a minute.

It was a difficult decision, especially when I think about leaving behind the daily interaction with friends I've made through the program. But Wheelin' Sportsmen will continue without me, just as it has in the past.

You have given Wheelin' Sportsmen a life independent of any one person. And in the next 10 years, I expect the program to do nothing, other than grow. — Illana