In today’s age of rioting, looting, and constant negative publicity there are few bright points where we see giving back and acknowledgement of service. However, one group of individuals in NW Missouri have been giving back to the Men and Women who have served in our Country’s Military and got a helping hand from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Shenandoah Lodge #1122.
In 2010 a group of 4 Duck and Deer hunters got the idea to invite members of the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation out for a Duck and Deer hunt. Established in 2007, the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation (WWIAF) is a national non-profit organization headquartered in Apollo Beach, Florida. The WWIAF is dedicated to serving our nation’s combat wounded, Purple Heart recipients, by providing world-class outdoor sporting activities. WWIAF serves our Nation’s combat wounded Purple Heart recipients by providing world-class outdoor sporting activities as a means to recognize and honor their sacrifice, encourage independence and connections with communities, and promote healing and wellness through camaraderie and a shared passion for the outdoors.
Since the original hunt in 2010 named the MO-KAN Ducks and Bucks Hunt, which started out with 4 Volunteers and 3 Wounded Warriors has grown into hosting 13 Wounded Warriors and now 70+ volunteers. In the spring of 2014 the Shenandoah Elks Lodge caught wind of the project and jumped in to help. The National Elks foundation has developed a Freedom Grant which is intended to provide financial support to local Lodges with programs assisting and enhancing the lives of Veterans, the active military and their families. In 2014 one hundred and forty Freedom Grants of $2,000 each were awarded to lodges all across the US and 2 were awarded to lodges in the state of Iowa. One being to the Shenandoah Elk’s Lodge.
The goal of the MO-KAN Ducks and Bucks event is to provide a 100% paid for trip for combat wounded veterans and allow them to enjoy some fantastic hunting as well as the ability to connect with those with similar injury’s and challenges. It costs between $1000-$1800 per Wounded Warrior for travel expenses, lodging and meals and with the help of the Shenandoah Elk’s we were able to provide 2 additional wounded warriors the ability to take part in Mo-Kan 2014.
There were 17 members and spouses that traveled to St. Joe for the presentation of a check in the amount of $2,000 to the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation of Missouri and Kansas! Lodge members Lance Cornelius and Alan Armstrong were instrumental in securing this grant for such a worthy organization. We were all very proud to represent OUR Lodge, OUR State Association and OUR Grand Lodge! “Elks: Elevating America”!
