My husband is a veteran and an avid hunter and came across an awesome organization that combined his respect for American Veterans with his passion for Hunting. Needless to say, he fell in love and now he is an active volunteer with them. When he asked me to make a video from their Georgia bird hunt, I was delighted to be included in something he feels so deeply about. But I never expected to leave after a 12 hour day as fulfilled and emotional as I did.
I was so grateful to be accepted into this group and allowed to document the entire day of activities. These wounded warriors were so kind, welcoming and open to telling me about their thoughts and experience, and on camera! One gentlemen saw me land my drone in the back of an ATV in strong wind and offered me a Harrier Landing Medal. That isn’t a real thing, I think, but I was honored nonetheless. I have to admit that I am most grateful to have left there without any metal in my skin. You will see one man turn around toward me to shoot and swing the shotgun up and over my head. No people or drones were harmed in the filming of this extraordinary day.
Combat Marine Outdoors hosted 4 military veterans for a bird hunt at Burnt Pine Plantation, 2020
The Combat Marine Outdoors is a non-profit organization created to provide Dream Hunts and Outdoor Adventures for severely wounded Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Navy Corpsmen. Their goal is to provide these heroic warriors the opportunity to have an outdoor adventure of a lifetime. Also, to make sure that they understand that their service and sacrifice to our country are deeply appreciated. While the hunting and fishing aspects of the program are important, they are merely a vehicle to demonstrate to these heroes that there are tens of thousands of patriotic Americans who truly care about them and are willing to show their appreciation and support by providing once-in-a-lifetime adventures in some of the most incredible places in the world. The camaraderie, friendship and fellowship associated with each outing have had a profound healing affect, and in many cases, were a turning point in the emotional recovery of service members. Approximately 50 ranches actively participate in the program, like this one; Burnt Pine Plantation in Newborn, GA, offers the finest in quail and pheasant hunting excursions.