Into the woods

Waterfowl around Quantico Marine Corps base beware.
Wounded warriors now have you in their sights, thanks to some newly built, wheelchair-accessible waterfowl hunting blinds sponsored by Ducks Unlimited.
The non-profit organization dedicated to conserving, restoring and managing wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl, partnered with Quantico’s Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs office to provide the handicapped-accessible hunting blinds to wounded Marines.
“This is just one opportunity for us to be able to help Marines to be able to enjoy some of that sportsmanship and nature like before they were injured,” said retired Marine and Woodbridge resident Dave Elwing, Committee Chairman of the Pentagon Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
The two blinds - located along the Potomac River and Chopawamsic Creek — were dedicated during a ceremony Saturday that saw Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-1), Commanding General of Marine Corps Combat Development Command Lt. Gen. George J. Flynn and Ducks Unlimited members participating in a hunt with Wounded Warrior Marines like Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ron Garfield.
“I love being outside and interacting with the wildlife,” the 27-year Marine veteran and avid deer hunter said. “I try to hunt quite a bit. Fortunately, my work schedule allows me a little flexibility to leave early. I’ve got competent guys who work for me.”
Garfield was injured a couple of years ago while serving in Iraq and is continuing his rehabilitation. Like Garfield, Sgt. Keith Buckmon went on his first duck hunting trip yesterday.
“It was a great time,” Buckmon said. “They built this wheelchair accessible, which is a great thing. There’s a lot of wounded warriors out there who want to get out of the hospital, take a trip somewhere, continue their personal hobbies and stuff and hunting is one of them.”
The Wounded Warrior Regiment provides and facilitates assistance to wounded, ill and injured Marines and Sailors attached to or in support of Marine units and their family members throughout their recovery.
“This is therapy for them, to get out of Walter Reed and other places like that and get out here and do what everybody else is doing and that all comes down to access,” said Wounded Warrior Regiment Commanding Officer Col. Gregory Boyle. “Within the Wounded Warrior Regiment, one of the greatest things that everybody wants to do is go hunting.”
Wittman spent a part of last month’s holiday season visiting troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. While overseas he also visited with wounded warriors at Lanstuhl Medical Center in Germany.
“It really demonstrates, I think, a great opportunity for wounded warriors to get out there on the water and go duck hunting,” he said. “This is a great partnership between Ducks Unlimited and the Marine Corps, saying we’re looking for opportunities for our wounded warriors.”
Construction materials for the blinds were solicited from local merchants and Ducks Unlimited members. Ducks Unlimited staffers also donated their time to the effort by completing site surveys, drawing up engineering plans and providing project management and administration.