Let me start by saying thank you for what you and your family are doing for all soldiers and their families. It takes a special kind of person to do what you and your family are doing for the soldiers. So, thank you.
On November 17, 2009 I was invited to the Liberty Lodge Outfitters in upstate New York for a hunting trip where there was only the guarantee of a good time. Not only was it a good time, but, the hunt of a lifetime. Didn't get the chance to harvest the buck of a lifetime, but I sure got a chance to watch him coming down the mountain like he owned the whole mountain side. Never did get him to come in close enough to shoot, but close enough to watch with a post card background. It was unbelievable. This is just one of the many memories of my week long hunting trip. One good time of many. Amy's good cooking. JT's humor. And Kevin and Brandon trying to out think the deer. Gregg never did say much, other than for me to remember where I was at.
It was the night before I was to go home when Kevin brought down a Mossburg Ducks Unlimited shotgun and told me that it was to be given to me in appreciation for my service and my family's sacrifice. Donate by a retired Colonel who supported the lodge and what they are doing for soldiers and their families. All around good times.
I don't know where to start or how to begin...I just went on the hunting trip of my life in New York. It was so awesome. It wasn't at all what I expected it to be. I thought the people would be snobby but it felt like home when I got there. The people were so nice! It was so beautiful there. I got to hunt a Russian hog and a nice deer. I used my bow when I was hunting and it was awesome. New York was cold. VERY COLD! You might ask if I would recommend this adventure for other wounded veterans. My answer would be definitely YES! I plan on going on another
hunting adventure next year. I enjoyed myself so much and relieved a lot of stress. That is a trip I will NEVER forget. Sorry my response isn't long but I can't type too well. That pretty much sums it up! It was A TRIP OF A LIFETIME! I thank the people who made this hunting trip possible very much!
-Sgt James Shelton, US Army
And to all the people who would like to criticize the Liberty Lodge and what they provide for the soldiers and their families, I can only say that is not always the killing, but about the thrill of the hunt. It is about replacing all the bad memories of war with the ones that I have spoken of in this letter. And, I am truly sorry if you don't understand.
Again, to the Workman Family and the Liberty Lodge Outfitters, thank you for this hunt of a lifetime. I truly enjoyed it.
Sincerely,
SSG Thomas Taylor, US Army
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