USSA hunters bag birds!

USSA hunters bag birds!



by Elizabeth Fay



JUNCTION CITY (WAOW)--Hunters in Junction City suited up in camouflage for the United Special Sportsman Alliance's Annual Turkey Hunt. Volunteers drove Vietnam War Veteran, Bill Baumgardt, all the way from Milwaukee to Junction City so he could join in on the hunt.



"It's been a long time since I've gotten a chance to go hunting. It's a great event and I really appreciate it, I really do," says Baumgardt.



He is one of many disable veterans and children taking part in the United Special Sportsman Alliance Annual Turkey Hunt. Two Volunteers with the Sportsman Alliance, known as USSA, head into the woods with each hunter.



For some sportsman, it's all about bagging a bird, but Baumgardt, who was wounded in Vietnam and suffers from Multiple sclerosis, is just happy to get some fresh air. "It was good just to get out in the weather, with my situation. The guys carried me out there!" says Baumgardt.



It's USSA's mission to bring hope and happiness to people who endure serious, chronic, and life-threatening illnesses. "We have a lot of special hunters here and smiles make it all worth it," explains USSA's Hunting Director, John Haydock.



USSA hosts numerous free events throughout the year. To learn more, check out their link: http://www.childswish.com/news.php

I wanted to send you a heartfelt thank you. It is hard to do by e-mail but I am going to try. First I want to thank the folks of USSA for setting these events up and then for opening their hearts to disabled vets like myself. Brigid, John, Ronnie, Gary, there are so many to mention, are some of the most selfless people it has ever been my honor to meet. I can't thank you enough for providing such a wonderful environment for people with disabilities which without you would not be able to get these experiences. I can only talk about a few of the mentors/guides but I know they are all alike, Joe and Jim two men who opened their lives to me to give without want of anything in return to provide me with the, without doubt, the best hunting experience I have ever had. These two outstanding gentlemen gave of themselves such an honest and selfless account that they have an endless place in my heart. Johnny who stepped up to give me a ride from the hotel and back so my family could keep the car to give them the opportunity to go out in Stephens Point. Johnny didn't need to be at the Pumpkin Patch until 5:30am but I needed to be there at 4:30am without thought he gave up his sleep to ensure that I would be there at the time I needed to be. I know that while he picked me up at 4:15am his day started an hour if not more before that. Then there is Woody, a man who after learning a little about has given his life to the preservation and continued existence of wildlife and opportunities for the disabled to hunt his land. I know that Woody spent days preparing for this hunt, scouting and spotting birds, setting up blinds and spending his money on the gear needed for the hunt. The people, all of them, USSA, mentors/guides, volunteers, land owners and everyone are not among, but, are the most wonderful and selfless it has and I feel will ever be my true honor to have met and interacted with. These people and people like them are the heart of America, the reason this great nation is great. It's funny when I think about it, I can't remember one person who didn't thank me for my service. My service I must say wasn't selfless, I was paid each month for being in the military, also I got personal gratification for a lot of the things I did while I was there. It is to me to say, no, thank you for your service, selfless, honorable, and with total love for those you are providing such wonderful events for. I can only hope that all of you know that you have my eternal gratitude and truly, truly heartfelt appreciation.



Sincerely,

Ivan