Wounded Warriors Heal Through Hunting

A hunt for a group of Veterans on Tuesday in Woodford County helped heal wounds that no one sees. 

This wasn’t your average group of sportsmen.

These are wounded warriors, hurt in battle, all Purple Heart recipients. 

“When you get back home out of military life, it’s hard to establish good communication with people,” said Brian Woliver, hunter at Life Adventure Center. 

That’s something all these Wounded Warriors said they could relate to.

"I’ve been shot at and saved multiple lives,” said Brent Buckley.  “Doing that for nine months straight on my first deployment, leaves a damaged spot there."

That’s after Buckley spent eight years as a U.S. Marine, serving in 23 countries, along with two deployments during the Iraq War.

He said he still deals with serious issues like PTSD and brain trauma, caused by explosions in war time.

For these heroes, hunting is a way to heal and bond with other Wounded Warriors.

“It’s the best therapy I’ve got,” said Buckley.

Many of the former soldiers have come to Life Adventure Center’s deer or wild turkey hunts over the past three years.  Some, like Woliver, drive quite a distance. 

“The first time I came here I met quite a few guys,” said Woliver.  “We’ve been friends ever since.  It’s easy to establish that connection."

LAC Program Director, Byron Marlowe, agreed.  “When you all come together from hundreds of miles you have a common bond, you really can’t put in words,” said Marlowe.

As for the hunt?  Not everyone bagged a bird, but there were four less turkeys in Versailles.

"There’s nothing like it,” said Woliver. “Nothing else compares to a spring turkey hunt."

Especially one that offers both hunting and healing.

If you would like more information about the Life Adventure Center or would like to donate to the non-profit, click here.