CTD Blogger
Joined:
7/14/2009
Posts:
830
Last Post:
11/20/2009
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Subject:
Elk Foundation Proudly Supports America’s Veterans
MISSOULA, Mont.—Veterans
Day, established on Nov. 11 to mark the anniversary of the end of World
War I, is our country’s way of honoring those who served in American
wars. Saying thanks to these heroes also is an important tradition for
the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
In just the past three
years, RMEF has contributed over $25,000 and countless volunteer hours
to provide veterans, many whom are disabled, with special hunting
experiences, gear and support.
Funding also helped provide recreational opportunities for families of deployed soldiers.
“There
are now more than 23 million veterans in the U.S., including a record
1.8 million female veterans, and I wish we could personally show them
all how much we appreciate their service and patriotism,” said David
Allen, president and CEO of RMEF. “This fall, as we exercise our
freedom to hunt, venture into wild country and share the outdoors with
our families and friends, let’s remember that none of it would be
possible without our servicemen and women.”
The latest RMEF
thank-you came in October when Master Sergeant Jim Shreve, a Purple
Heart veteran who suffered a detached retina in both eyes while serving
in Iraq, was invited for a special elk hunt near Jackson, Wyo.
The
Jackson Hole RMEF chapter had received a Wyoming Game and Fish
Commissioner’s tag for auction. Chapter members rallied supporters to
purchase the tag especially for a veteran. Questar, EnCana Oil and Gas
USA, Ultra Resources and the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of Wyoming
contributed. More supporters helped with a reception, camp, gear,
taxidermy, meat processing and access to a private ranch.
After
several days of hunting, Shreve took an old bull with broken tines and
scars from battles with other rutting bulls, it its own way a “wounded
warrior.”
RMEF works closely with outdoor writer and former RMEF board member Jim Zumbo on many endeavors for disabled veterans.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy
peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk
country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.6
million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and
stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico.
RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting,
fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.
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