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October 30, 2008
Marines, hunters get deer
Cpl. Michael S. Darnell
Media Chief
Lance Cpl. Gerson Guzman, of the 2nd Battalion, 8th
Marine Regiment and the Wounded Warriors Battalion had never been hunting before
last week. Thanks to the Safari Club International, Lowcountry Chapter, he’s now
a seasoned outdoorsman.
On Oct 28-29, the SCI held the 4th Annual Wheelchair Hunt, which,
for the first time, brought Marines from the Wounded Warriors Battalion from
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
The Wounded Warriors Bn. houses Marines who’ve been injured, and lets them
remain in the Corps while working toward recovery. The Marines also participate
in events like the hunt, much to the enjoyment of some of the greener sportsmen.
“I’ve never even been on a hunt before,” Guzman said. “I’m real excited, and
I’m going to get a deer.”
Though Guzman didn’t end up with a freezer full of fresh venison, it wasn’t
for lack of trying on the part of the hundreds of volunteers that showed up to
support the event.
Volunteers & civilian hunter welcome the Wounded Warriors upon arrival at
Nemours Plantation
Marines, civilians, business owners and one notable VIP helped the hunt
become a success. Former Secretary of the Navy John Dalton was on hand to kick
off the two-day hunt, which saw almost a dozen catches by disabled hunters and
wounded Marines.
Former Secretary of the Navy, John Dalton delivers the keynote address
“In addition to being the secretary of the Navy, I had the privilege of
being the secretary of the Marine Corps,” Dalton said. “It didn’t take me long
to realize that for Marines, there is no hill too steep to climb.”
For the hunters, their steep climb may last the rest of their lives, but for
the day of the hunt, the Corps, the civilians supporting the Corps and other
wounded sportsmen, honored that difficult journey.
Parris Island Commanding General James Laster addresses the group.
“Don’t ever take what somebody else tells you you can’t do,” said Ernie
Wiggers, of the Nemours Wildlife Foundation, while speaking to the hunters. “You
make your own rules on what you can accomplish.”
Those accomplishments were made all the better by the fact that it was the
first hunt for many, and for some the first hunt since being wounded.
“It was great,” said Sgt. Zack Golfos, of the Wounded Warrior Bn. “ It was
probably the best time I’ve had since getting back.”
Former Secretary of the Navy, John Dalton, with a group of Wounded Warriors
Of course, Golfos bagging one of the largest bucks of the first night of
hunting probably contributed to his enjoyment, but it was some of the people
working behind the scenes that helped make the hunt successful.
Sgt. Zack Golfos with his first night buck.
Mark Peterson, of the SCI Lowcountry chapter, founded the Wheelchair Hunt
after a friend of his became paralyzed. Combining his love of the sport with the
desire to lend a helping hand led to the formation of the hunt four years ago.
Event Coordinator, Mark Peterson
“We hunters are a dying breed,” he said. “This gives me the chance to share
what I love doing with people who love to hunt, but maybe haven’t had the
chance.
“As Americans, we owe a huge debt to our vets. This is one way I can give
back, and I’m glad to do it.”
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