Soldiers Pride realizes that there are many organizations out there supporting our troops and want to do our part. With that in mind, a percentage of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to a non profit organization that supports those that have served our country.
At this time proceeds are going to Ruby Creek Disabled Veterans Hunt Club.
Jerry Welcome, an avid outdoorsman who served in the Marines in the 1960's, felt everyone deserved the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, especially our veterans. Welcome formed Ruby Creek Disabled Veterans Hunt Club to make sure the veterans served by Grand Rapids Home For Veterans could enjoy Michigan at it's finest. First, he worked with state representatives to pass Senate Bill 633 that would allow disabled veterans to hunt during the annual Michigan Youth Hunt in September.
Once that was passed, the organization created Ruby Creek Tavern's Disabled Veterans Hunt Day. This project is supported solely by donations from individuals and businesses. The Vets are provided transportation from and back to the Veterans Home in Grand Rapids. They are also supplied with meals, hunting gear, guns and guides.
"This gives veterans a chance to get outside and do something they haven't done in years," said Welcome. "They did so much for their country and it's important that we remember that."
Dan Pletcher, a service officer from the American Legion in Hesperia, said the event was "uplifting." "It's a chance for them to feel alive again," said Pletcher. "It gives them a chance to be outside the four walls they're trapped in at the veterans hospital."
Ed Macie-Jewski couldn't agree more. After spending the past two years in a wheelchair following a stroke and heart attack, the Navy veteran forgot the "joy" of being outdoors. "It's really great being in the outdoors, sitting in the blind and just waiting," Jewski said. "Being with the other veterans in a setting like this is something that rarely happens."
If you know of an organization that may qualify and would like to learn more about this program, please contact us
here.
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