The Wounded Warriors Retreat will hold its Sixth Annual Sportsman’s Banquet and Auction at Beaver Creek Plantation in Twin City on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 5:30 p.m. The event is organized by the Swainsboro Rotary Club and the Emanuel County Sportsman’s Club and raises funds to support wounded military veterans and their families through hunting and fishing events.
Wounded Warriors Retreat is a Georgia non-profit 501-C3 organization and sponsors 12 to 15 outdoor events each year. The group’s mission statement reads: “To make a difference in the lives of wounded warriors by mentoring, promoting, supporting and encouraging spiritual healing for wounded warriors and their families while participants enjoy the many outdoor activities offered by the private hunting retreat.”
Since its inception in 2010, Wounded Warriors Retreat, Inc. has hosted hundreds of wounded warriors, warrior family members and guests at Come-Away Plantation in Norwood, Ga. Terry Reynolds, one of the founders of Wounded Warriors Retreat, said, “We stay in touch with wounded warrior participants after they’ve come for a retreat. We become like one big family. Sometimes they come back to help.
“The camaraderie they get and the fellowship does as much good as anything. The soldiers have a lot in common and talk to each other about their time in the war. The caregivers – they go through almost as much as the wounded warrior – they have a lot in common and they fellowship. And the kids get to hang out with other kids who’ve had similar experiences.”
The organization can’t afford transportation for each visitor, but once they go through the gates, Reynolds said, there’s no cost for the participants during the typically three-day event.
According to Wounded Warriors Retreat organizers, “Wounded warriors returning from combat operations experience physical, psychological and spiritual wounds. Federal programs are well-suited to deal with physical and psychological wounds; however, these programs are not well-suited to deal with spiritual wounds.
“The consequences of these injuries often include maladjustment, substance abuse, and an all-time high divorce and suicide rate. Experts generally agree spiritual healing enhances physical and psychological healing.”
Former participant Sgt. Josh Holubz, US Army (Ret) said, “It’s not just about a successful deer hunt. It’s an affirmation that my disabilities do not limit my favorite activities. Feeling that freedom from any limitations is the success that I was truly hunting for.”
Staff Sgt. Jeremy Young, another former participant, said, “I never received any spiritual care until I came to Wounded Warriors Retreat for the first time. The retreat definitely opened my eyes in understand my need for spiritual help. Wounded Warriors Retreat allowed me to associate with other wounded warriors that can relate to me. But most importantly, the retreat has provided the spiritual care I was lacking in my recovery.”
Tickets for the banquet that provides funding for the outdoor events for wounded warriors and their families are $50. The event includes a prime rib dinner prepared by Beaver Creek and one ticket for a drawing. Sponsorships for the event are needed, as well, and will be recognized at the event.
For more information, contact Terry Reynolds at (478) 494-3758.