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Contact: Dena Matteson, 573-323-4814
VAN BUREN, Mo. - Ozark National Scenic Riverways (ONSR) recently hosted two special events in honor of military service members and veterans. The 9th annual Exceptional Warrior Mobility Impaired Managed Hunt was held on October 22 and 23 at Big Spring. The annual Hike to Honor Veterans was conducted on November 5 from Rocky Falls to Stegall Mountain.
In its ninth year, the Exceptional Warrior hunt offers a more accessible hunting experience for military service members who have impaired mobility. Each year, ten to twelve hunters are accepted for participation, with each allowed to harvest two deer. The hunt has grown to include over 30 sponsors and volunteers whose primary goal is to honor veterans by providing a special and memorable experience. For the past seven years, the out-of-pocket expenses that would have been incurred by each hunter have been paid for by sponsors, resulting in a no-cost experience for each hunter.
Hunters, assistants, and volunteers gathered on October 21 for a pre-hunt meeting and dinner, provided by Outdoorsmen With a Mission. The evening included door prizes, a recap of rules and regulations, hunters meeting their sponsors, and lots of good-natured teasing between military branches. Each veteran newcomer, whether they were a hunter, volunteer, or sponsor, was presented with a handmade quilt by the Van Buren Quilts of Valor Chapter, which operates on donations and has presented over 360 quilts worldwide.
Cool morning temperatures and calm winds contributed to a successful hunt weekend, made evident when several hunters filled or partially filled their quota the first day. Volunteers eagerly assisted in retrieving and processing deer and packing on ice for each successful hunter. By the close of the evening on October 23, a total of nine deer were harvested by seven hunters.
During a lunch of fried fish that was provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation, it was evident that there is more to the event than just providing service members with an opportunity to hunt. For most, it is a complex healing experience. It’s also about giving back to those who have sacrificed so much. Many memories and lasting friendships were made between the hunters, park staff, volunteers, and sponsors who participated in the hunt.
ONSR Natural Resource Program Manager and hunt coordinator Kim Houf reflected, “I’m grateful and in awe at the many expressions of support we received this year. From food donations to volunteers asking to be involved in some way, there was an overwhelming demonstration of respect and gratitude for these exceptional warriors.”
ONSR would like to thank the following volunteers and sponsors for helping make the hunt successful: The Foundation for Exceptional Warriors (The FEW), Outdoorsmen with a Mission, Quilts of Valor - Van Buren Chapter, The Missouri Department of Conservation, Ozark Riverways Foundation, OA Rental Properties, Scenic River Cabins, Dale & Rob Braden, Gene Riddle, Jolly Cone, Van Buren Youth & Community Center, ScreenShots, Eric Daniels, Michelle Daniels, Derek Saffle, Jamie Ladner, Emily Sellinger, Valerie Voyles, Morgan Beyer, Lee Bland, Rick Halbert, Joby Sanders, Evan VanWinkle, Todd Wilcoxon, Mark Jackson, Corbin Dougherty, Adrian Burnham, Glen Sanders, Randy Clark, Matt Jackson, Adam Helvey, Charles Gordon, Randy McElroy, and Dale Ross.
For additional details and images from the 2022 Exceptional Warrior hunt, visit: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/ozark-national-scenic-riverways-honors-veterans-with-special-hunt.htm
The Hike to Honor Veterans on November 5 provided a different recreational opportunity for recognizing and remembering military veterans with a 6-mile hike from Rocky Falls to Stegall Mountain and back. Approximately 25 hikers participated in the event. The program began with a flag ceremony during which hikers had an opportunity to share their personal military experiences or share a story about a beloved veteran.
It was a little cool and windy, but a beautiful day for a hike. The view from the Stegall Mountain glade was, as always, spectacular. As hikers rested and enjoyed the view, staff from Missouri Department of Conservation shared information about glade ecosystems, the prescribed fire used to maintain them, and the elk restoration. To spice things up this year, toward the end of the hike Mother Nature threw in a magnitude 3.2 earthquake that hikers heard, rather than felt, as a boom and roar that faded into the distance.
ONSR would like to extend thanks to Ozark Riverways Foundation (ORF) and Missouri Department of Conservation for partnering to host this event. ORF also provided tokens of appreciation for veterans who attended.
For additional details and images from the 2022 Hike to Honor Veterans, visit: https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/hike-to-honor-veterans.htm
ONSR Superintendent Jason Lott, a veteran himself, was deeply touched by his participation in both events. “I was truly humbled to meet the exceptional warriors who have sacrificed so greatly and to witness the outpouring of support from the local community to make this an unforgettable hunting experience for them. I was also honored to be included in the hike and flag ceremony at Rocky Falls and to hear the stories of personal sacrifice and dedication shared by many in attendance.” He continued, “I’m proud of the efforts put forth by our National Park Service staff, volunteers, and generous partners to host these events.”
As an additional demonstration of our nation’s gratitude and support, veterans of U.S. Armed Services and Gold Star Families can now obtain a free lifetime pass to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and forests. Those passes will become available starting on Veterans Day, November 11. For more information about the pass, including details on how to obtain one, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1207/11-8-2022-lifetime-pass.htm
Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves 134 miles of the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. Learn more at www.nps.gov/ozar. Find us on Facebook @ozarkriverways and on Instagram @ozarkriverwaysnps.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: November 10, 2022