Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Schmiett | A member of 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), takes aim at a duck in Prairie...... read more read more
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EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (Jan. 29, 2019) – Paratroopers from the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), took part in a duck hunt in Prairie County, Ark. from 19-21 Jan.
Darby's Warrior Support’s mission is to provide physically and emotionally injured Post-9/11 Special Operations combat veterans, with an all-inclusive Arkansas hunting and fishing experience in an environment that fosters rehabilitation and recovery.
The program initially started as a way for Col. (Ret.) Shawn Daniel, president of DWS and his friends to be able to come and relax in a familiar setting.
“It was my parents, [Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Jim Daniel and Julia Ann "Ishie" Daniel], who wanted to create an opportunity for my friends and I,” said Daniel. “The idea was to come relax, [heal], and hunt. This isn't about how many ducks you can kill in a weekend, it's about looking old friends in the eye, and making sure they are ok.”
Initially, DWS started small, hosting only a few Soldiers, to now over a hundred, including military members from across different branches of service and the Special Operations community.
“In 2018, we hosted, 128, and in 2019 I hope to grow attendees another 10 or 15 percent,” said Daniel. “Every year we want to add new events and opportunities for our deserving service members."
Darby's Warrior Support offers a multitude of events, including dove, turkey, deer, hog, and fishing events. This array of opportunity allows of sports enthusiast an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, no matter their level expertise.
“This year the new addition was trout fishing. Arkansas has some of the best trout fishing in the world,” said Daniel. “We are going to start getting guys out on the Little Red River to catch trout as a way for them to heal, relax, and rehabilitate.”
All cost are covered for participants in the DWS hunts, to include lodging and meals. DWS and the city of Biscoe, Arkansas do ensure that the service members they host feel welcomed, comfortable, and appreciated.
“The hospitality out here was more than what I expected,” said a participant of 7th SFG(A), and novice hunter. Name withheld for operational security purpose. “Everybody was friendly and cordial, and went out of their way to make sure that our experience was enjoyable. They made us feel like family, and provided us with a welcoming place to relax and kick our feet up.”
“At the end of the day, this is about coming to a place that is a long-way away from the flagpole,” said Daniel. “It’s relaxing, getting well fed, while enjoying the outdoors. I’m glad we could host 7th SFG(A). It was an honor and privilege and we look forward to the next opportunity.”
Lo Que Sea, Cuando Sea, Donde Sea.
| Date Taken: | 02.04.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 02.13.2019 11:09 |
| Story ID: | 309489 |
| Location: | EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 87 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, It's about looking old friends in the eye, making sure they are still ok, by SFC Christopher Schmiett, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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