Second Annual Warrior Hunts of Virginia is More Than Just a Hunt

Organizers recently put together a 2nd Annual Warrior Hunts of Virginia spring gobbler hunt and the event designed to help and honor wounded military men and women was another tremendous success.

Organizer Johnny Seamster stated, “We had a great time and so did our hunters. We’ve talked with most of them since they left and they all said what an awesome time they had.

We had six hunters, one of which is bound to a wheelchair. As I have been soaking the weekend experience in, these wounded veterans make you realize what we take for granted. When you think it’s bad and want to just give up, if nothing else think of your health and that you can get out of bed without help, put your feet on the floor and walk. Monte Webb made me see the true meaning of determination. I take so much away from these hunts. These are more than just hunts; they are therapy for these veterans. But at the same time it’s therapy for our volunteers and families. Thanks to all that volunteered to make this a successful weekend.”

On the evening of April 27th wounded veteran hunters arrived at the Days Inn in South Hill which was their lodging for three days. There were numerous local and Southside Virginia businesses that helped with this event and donated meals, and other items. The Donut Shop supplied donuts and breakfast sandwiches to all the hunters and helpers on Friday and Saturday. Brian’s Steakhouse treated everyone to lunch Friday. Bagley’s Mill Hunt Club prepared and accommodated dinner arrangements on Friday night, while The Tastee Freez (Big T) treated everyone to lunch on Saturday and Meherrin River Hunt Club accommodated the group and hosted a Saturday night feast. Shoppers Value in Kenbridge took care of all the meat for Friday and Saturday night’s Bar-B-Que dinner while Bob Tanner, Steve Moore, Clayton Connell, Paul Connell and Chris Simmons did the cooking on Saturday. Wilson Brother’s BBQ donated all the dinner sides and John Connell made homemade desserts. Chuck Dick with Valvoline Oil donated face masks, hats and shells to the veterans for the hunt. Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative donated hats and a tumbler to each hunter and Southside Friends of NRA donated each hunter a knife to each hunter. In a two-day period six hunters killed nine turkeys. This event was entirely possible by the Mecklenburg and Lunenburg community support.

Organizers stated, “This event is more than just a hunt, it’s therapy for the veterans. We want to say a BIG “Thank You” to our sponsors:  Consumer Escrow & Title Co, Circle W Farms, Big Fork Farms, B & D Nursery, Rent-E-Quip, Farrar Sod Farms, Williams Enterprises, Gasburg Land & Timber Co., Inc., Access Outdoors, Brian’s Steakhouse, Taste Freez, Farrar Funeral Home, Wilson Bros. BBQ, The Donut Shop, C & K Custom Embroidery and Sports Apparel, Inc., Southside Friends of the NRA, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative and Mossy Oak Properties of Virginia.”

The callers and volunteers from the event were Robert Bondurant, Marc Green, Doug Atkins, John Lee, Lyn Harris, Kevin Lockhart, Chuck Bagley, Jimmy Puckett, Todd Edens, Shane Rohrbaugh, Michael Bailey, Chuck Bagley, Barry Connell, Brian Williams and Johnny Seamster

The wounded veteran hunters were Ray Mestas from Norfolk, Luke Sanford from Virginia Beach, Tommy Powroznik from Prince George, Jerry Hale from Honaker, VA, Monte Webb from High Point NC and Bryan Montgomery Giles County VA.