How often is it we find ourselves faced with an opportunity to truly impact the lives of others, and so doing, create a ground swell of enthusiasm?  If you’re like me, it doesn’t come about very frequently.

Fortunately, the proverbial lightning has struck for me and the WILD Oklahoma pro staff this year.

We filmed a hunt with the Mid-America Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America in Miami, Oklahoma earlier this year and as I may have mentioned and as I wrote in the Oklahoma Gazette, it was a life changing and life affirming event for myself and everyone involved.  As a veteran, I was moved by the enthusiasm and excitement of my brothers and sisters in arms who have faced some of the most difficult challenges anyone could imagine.

One soldier we hunted with had taken a head shot while in Afghanistan, serving with Oklahoma’s 45th.  He was and is ambulatory, but emotionally still has some issues and some fine motor skills are problematic, but the enthusiasm and excitement to get out in the woods and slay a thunder chicken was absolutely infectious.

We decided that this was the time to do something for these guys.  We at WILD Oklahoma made the decision to host a fundraiser and awareness campaign for the MAPVA and we’re kicking it off on Saturday, August 23rd at the Del City VFW Hall.  What we thought were going to be around 100 in attendance is now well over 700 - and this from word of mouth, our television program and radio program.  We have seen enormous support for this event and let me tell you, we’re humbled by it.

When opportunities come about to make a difference, I encourage you to pick up the torch and do it.  You’ll be blessed beyond your wildest dreams.