Community Welcomes Wounded Veterans for Annual Waterfowl Hunt
By Sam Walker on January 9, 2019 , The Outer Banks Voice
The event started in 2013. (submitted photo)
In support of the WWIA Foundation and America’s combat wounded veterans, Beach Realty and Construction/Kitty Hawk Rentals is once again hosting a group of Purple Heart recipients in a soundfront historic hunting lodge renovated into a modern vacation rental in Powells Point this Wednesday through Sunday for the Eighth Annual North Carolina Waterfowl Event.
Rather than discount the lodging for the heroes, the property’s owners have again donated the lodging to the foundation at no cost, a huge boost to the event.
“The impact this event has on the community is astounding – we all share a common desire to show our appreciation to our veterans. This annual hunt has provided an outlet to show that appreciation for me and many others,” Sparks said.
Along with the accommodations, daily duck hunting excursions and meals have all been donated or paid courtesy of local businesses in Dare and Currituck counties.
The group’s stay at Southern Comfort was again donated.
Businesses participating include Currituck Sports, Currituck BBQ, BJ’s BBQ, Spanky’s, Cindy’s Kitchen, Coinjock Marina, Coastal Water, Cotton Gin, Lee’s Septic & Land, Larry Beasley and his crew of guides, Pepsi Bottling Ventures of Elizabeth City, Currituck County Tourism, Kitty Hawk Starbucks, Bazemore Septic, Image Advertising, Kelly’s Tavern in Chesapeake, Red Sky Café, Moneysworth linens, Blue Point, Donut on a Stick, Clean Team, Dorothy & Anthony Twiford, Currituck County Republican Party, Twiford Funeral Home, Billy Rose, Casey Rose Schmid, Shannon Electrical Service, Hardees in Grandy and Beach Realty.
“Currituck County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jeff Walker has helped tremendously by offering to transport the food to Aydlett each morning very early,” Sparks said.
“There are too many private donors to mention,” Sparks said. “Thank you ALL for the countless contributions which make this year’s event even more special.”
“I am also thrilled to involve our younger generations as classes from both Moyock Elementary and Heron Pond Montessori School will welcome the heroes with letters and handmade thank you notes,” Sparks said. “Also, Boy Scouts Troop 117 will provide snacks and treats for the hunt as well as do all the heavy lifting for the event.”
On Sunday morning, the Patriot Guard, with the Currituck Sheriff’s Deputies, Fire Departments and local bikers, will be escorting these heroes north along on U.S. 158 and N.C. 168.
They will be departing from the Kilmarlic Club in Powells Point at 8:30 a.m. on their way to the Norfolk Airport.
Residents are asked to gather in visible locations along Caratoke Highway to show their support.
The significance of the escort is symbolically, as the bikers and citizens lining Caratoke Highway are protecting the very individuals that have protected us and paid the price.
The Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation Inc. 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.
For additional information, call Brook Sparks at 252.255.4306 or email brook@beachrealtync.com.
For more information on the overall event, visit beachrealtync.com/wwia. For more information on the WWIA Foundation visit WWIAF.org.