JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Joint Base Charleston service members and community volunteers partnered up to host the Wounded Warrior White-tailed Deer Hunt Oct. 25-28, 2018, in designated hunting areas on JB Charleston’s Naval Weapons Station. The event was facilitated through the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron.
Participants spent four days hunting white-tailed deer as part of a local initiative to provide therapeutic outdoor recreational opportunity and camaraderie for active-duty wounded warriors who are engaged in recovery and rehabilitation programs.
“This is our fifth time hosting the annual Wounded Warrior White-tailed Deer Hunt at JB Charleston,” said Terrence Larimer, natural and cultural resources manager assigned to the 628th CES. “Previous years’ events have been a tremendous success and paved the way for this year’s hunt.”
Over four days, the visiting wounded warriors participated in five hunting trips accompanied by a volunteer guide. They used specially-prepared hunting stands and harvested 11 deer in total.
“All hunters returned home with a generous amount venison and memories from their experience hunting in the Lowcountry,” said Larimer.
The Department of Defense Wounded Warrior Battalion based in Bethesda, Maryland, provided oversight for the event. After receiving information on the hunting trip, the battalion identified wounded active duty members interested in participating and ensured they were physically and mentally qualified to attend.
“This has been terrific for us,” said Marine Corps Master Sgt. Mike Cianci, one of seven wounded warriors who attended the event. “You really don’t know how much this has meant and the great memories we are taking back with us.”