LEXINGTON, S.C. - The South Carolina National Guard teamed up with the Carolina Outdoorsmen to hold the first annual Disabled Veteran Duck Hunt Dec. 15, 2012, in Lexington. Veterans from across South Carolina participated in the duck hunt with the Corley Mill Duck Hunting Club.
Participants arrived at a small building in the woods long before the first rays of light crept over the horizon. Veterans and club members gathered around a crackling fire outside as they waited to hike down to the pond.
Lance Young, a retired Air Force colonel and the current president of the club, welcomed everyone to the event.
"We wanted to do something for our military, especially the wounded warriors. They have sacrificed a lot and this is just a small token of our appreciation," said Young.
The event hosted 10 veterans from around the state. A club member was paired with each veteran.
"It's always important to allow our veterans time to relax," said James Harris Jr., the SCNG youth director. "J1.1 (Service Member and Family Care Directorate) has been part of about 20 hunts since the start of September."
Young and the other organizers gave out shirts with Corley Mill Duck Hunt and the Wounded Warrior Project logo.
"We wanted to give these to the guys to have something, hopefully they will get a duck too," said Young.
The club was founded by Wilbur Corley when he returned from World War II in 1946. It was a way for him to stay in touch with his friends. Breakfast after the hunt became a tradition that is still carried on today.