Wounded Warriors Get Back in Action At Ducks N’ Bucks Event

StJoeChannel
Christina Watkins

A St. Joseph Veteran expressed his emotions after three special days of hunting.

“I was surprised especially being locally,” said Larry Sinker.

Larry Sinker was one of eight veterans selected for this year’s MO-KAN Ducks N’ Bucks event, hosted by Wounded Warriors in Action.

The organization gives Purple Heart recipients a chance to relax, and enjoy the outdoors.

“It could’ve been virtually any place, in this part of the state, so I was very infatuated,” said Sinker.

Sinker has lived in St. Joseph for 25 years.

He served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

Almost a year into his service, his life changed forever.

“A booby trap, which is an explosive device on the side of the road, went off right when I walked right by it, and it blew me into a ditch,” said Sinker.

That accident affected the entire left side of his body, and also his hearing.

Later, in 1996, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

Sinker said opportunities like Ducks N’ Bucks give him the chance to forget about his disabilities.

“It is absolutely astounding what they’re doing for us,” said Sinker.

“When we’re out there hunting, everything else goes to the side. They just forget about the injuries, the problems, all the hassles of life in general,” said Steve Wolk.

Steve Wolk was Sinker’s guide on the trip.

This is his first time working with someone with Sinker’s disabilities, and with someone who fought in the Vietnam War.

“Pretty proud to be with him,” said Wolk.

He said he’s glad he can give back to people, like Sinker, who have given so much to the country.

“We wouldn’t be able to do what we do if it wasn’t for these guys doing what they did,” said Wolk.