Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

Veterans Day weekend was perfect timing for Army and Marine Purple Heart recipients to come to Hohenwald TN to experience a time of connecting and healing at the 9th Annual Muzzleloader Deer Turkey Hunt. This event sponsored by Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation (WWIAF.org) was hosted by Dennis Reynolds and Shelley Cohen. With incredible support from this community, these 5 heroes had an opportunity to connect with a commonality of being wounded while serving.

These Purple Heart recipients were from Maine, Washington, North Carolina, and Arkansas and were veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. One of these heroes is still currently active duty as well.

Their injuries have had a life-long impact on their overall health and well-being. They are very appreciative of the volunteer guides and other community members that are integral to the success of these events.

Volunteer guides included Jared Hinson, Chase Moore, Chris Brown, and Toby Adkins. Meals and baked goods were provided by MaryAnn Bria, Tammy Adkins, Hilliard family, Trista Graham, Ron Mcmahon, and Denise Patterson. Generous donations toward groceries were also provided including cases of bottled water from Highland Corporation. The use of a side-by-side vehicle for the event was provided by Chris Holt of C & C Motors. Game Warden Jonas Cothran donated ice and joined the group for lunch on the first day of the hunt.

One can see how it these events are a true community effort and outpouring of support for those who served and continue to serve on our behalf. Excerpts from some of their notes left behind are noted below;

"Very thankful to all who made this possible" - Lawrence US Marine Corp

"The volunteer guides are some of the most genuine people I have met." - Kyle US Army

"Will remember this event for the rest of my life. Thank you for an awesome experience." - Chris US Army

"I felt at home right away and it reset me at a time I really needed it. Allowed all of us to unplug from everyday chaos and bond with others who are facing similar challenges." - James Us Marine Corp

This weekend of sportsmanship also offers a setting that encourages these heroes to connect with other Purple Heart recipients who understand the impact of being a wounded warrior.

It is the love of the outdoors, sportsmanship, and the need to connect with other Warriors that is critical to the healing process. Whether it is traumatic brain injury, limb/back disability or post- traumatic stress disorder, or survivor's guilt- these events bolster self-confidence while strengthening a bond with nature and others.

The support of the local and surrounding communities helps to ensure the success of these events and we extend a big thank you to our volunteer guides as well as those who helped with food preparation and preparing the hunting sites

A documentary featuring DoubleCreek and interviews with WWIA Purple Heart veterans who have benefited from these events is available for viewing at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5THSTdAK5LE

The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation was founded in 2007 and is dedicated to serving our nation's combat wounded, Purple Heart recipients, by providing world-class outdoor sporting activities. This recognition of their sacrifice promotes healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors.

Our next event is a rifle hunt December 1st with heroes arriving from Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida.

Those interested in donating their time, funds, or other items, please contact Dennis Reynolds at 615 969 1078.