Veterans participate in Wounded Warrior program

By Tomi Henderson
Special to the Houlton Pioneer Times
    BRIDGEWATER — For the second year, Smoldering Lake Outfitters was the site of a special hunting group for disabled military members. While last year saw only five or six hunting permits, this year they had 15 to give to the veterans that were lucky enough to be chosen. Each veteran had a guide and other helpers to take them to various sites where they all were able to take a moose and/or bear.
    One of the hunters, Jeromye “Moose” Rogers, spoke to the group about what the hunting experience means to the veterans. A Marine wounded in battle, he was told that his new job was to heal and get better. He was encouraged to think of the craziest thing he’d like to do when he recovered, and he wanted to go on a moose hunt.
Photo courtesy of Tomi Henderson
The Wounded Warriors special hunt, centered in Bridgewater from Sept. 15-21, included the following military veterans. In the front from the left are: Ralph Prescott, Allan Snyder, Jeromye Rogers and Matt Keil. In the back are: Herman Pelletier, Ken Peters, Brian Smith, Fred Biermam, Eric Dickey, Bert Baird, Paul Reitchel, Nick Orchowski, Sean Johnson and Guide Dave Hentosh of Smoldering Lake Outfitters in Bridgewater — the kicking-off spot for all the hunts. The hunters are pictured surrounding a special bronze sculpture done by Hentosh to commemorate Sept. 11, 2001. Hentosh hopes to donate it for a special auction done by a group that supports the families of those lost in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.
    This experience was something he said he’ll always remember — having the chance to be in the open and enjoy the camaraderie of the other veterans, hunters, guides and helpers. One of the things he indicated that veterans enjoy is the opportunity to feel “normal” again and be the person they once were.
    He and the other veterans expressed their gratitude to the many volunteers who give back and sponsor activities for veterans as they return from their time in the service.
    This year’s hunt was photographed and filmed by several people and will be shown on sporting shows in the future. The Outdoor Channel’s “Jim Zumbo Outdoors” was on hand. August Peters was there for the Versus Channel show “Beyond the Battlefield” — shown on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. It should air sometime in the first part of 2012. It may also be shown on “Trophy Quest” on the Outdoor Channel in late October. “Trophy Quest” airs on Saturdays at 10 p.m. and Mondays at 2:30 p.m. Jon Tatum of the Outdoor Channel‘s “Hunting the Country” gave a possible air date of June-August 2012 on Tuesdays at 6 and 9 p.m.
    In addition to Smoldering Lake Outfitters and some individuals, this year’s Wounded Warrior event was sponsored by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Maine Veterans Home, Maine State Troopers Association, Sportsmen for Military Families and the AMVETS.
    A special donation was made to the House in the Woods by the Yarmouth AMVETS Post 2. The House in the Woods is a special camping experience, located in Lee, that is donated to military veterans and their families. It was founded by Paul House and Bill Emery — fathers who both have lost sons in the fighting in the Middle East and wanted a way to honor the veterans.