As Americans we are truly blessed with the abilities and opportunities we have in the USA. Hopefully most of us don’t take our freedoms for granted – our Veterans don’t, the active military members don’t – and Ken & Pam Barnard don’t either. In fact, they support the military in a very special way…through Patriot Hunts.
Patriot Hunts
Ken & Pam are self proclaimed “military brats.” In fact, Ken was born on the Ft. Bragg military installation – home of the 82nd Airborne Division… Ken is also an avid outdoorsman.
Ken made many trips to Walter Reed Army hospital and visited friends before and after their surgeries. He saw the need to get our wounded warriors involved in the outdoors. Ken’s mission was simple: Introduce every wounded soldier that was interested in the outdoors to the experiences that the outdoors offers – and – to get those that already enjoyed fishing or hunting back to the outdoors. Patriot Hunts was born.
For many of us, Ken & Pam’s mission seems impossible. But not to them – their passion to help our wounded warriors runs strong and deep – what they have seen at Walter Reed fuels their work. Patriot Hunts gives because our soldiers ask for nothing, but have in some cases given everything. The Barnards remind us that we as outdoorsmen have plenty to share with the soldiers. What they do, and what you can help do, allows our wounded soldiers to cope with the injuries they have sustained both physically and mentally.
Patriot Hunts’ Mission: It has become our mission at Patriot Hunts to never give up, to never rest, to never be satisfied, until we all feel we have adequately put forth the effort in trying to provide an outdoor experience for our men and women that have served and sacrificed so much for this nation. Our freedom comes at a price far greater than we can ever repay to these soldiers. So we give back how and when we can…but we give back.
Please visit Patriot Hunts on their website to learn how you or your organization can help Ken and Pam give something special back. Read the heartfelt and heart touching, personal stories from soldiers that have shared in the Patriot Hunt experience.
Please share this article with your friends so they can get involved.
Patriot Hunts’ next scheduled event is September 25th, 2010. 100+ soldiers, kids, and wounded warriors will attend a dove shoot.
“We must never quit…We must never falter…We must never leave a fallen comrade”
Because our Vets and active military personnel do what they do – we can do what we do.
Patriot Hunts Inc.
808 Cape Fear Ave
Fayetteville, N.C. 28303
Husky Liners is a proud Gold Sponsor of Patriot Hunts.
Tags: Husky Liners, sponsorship
Thank you for supporting Patriot Hunts and Mr Barnards passion for taking care of our combat wounded soldiers and their families.
SGT Ken Katter Fort Bragg
I just want to say “Thank You” for your support.
As the (founder) of Patriot Hunts let me say what a pleasure and a priviledge it is to be associated with Husky Liners. All of us at Patriot Hunts are passionate about what we stand for and our mission at hand. It is truely a blessing when you come accross a company and the folks that run this company, who have the same passions as we do in regards to supporting our wounded veterans. Thanks to great people like Bennett, Andrea, and of course the big guy,”Bob” for stepping up and saying..”I want to help” and truely mean it. Your efforts and support for these soldiers that defend this country is admirable, and rest assured these brave men and women know who you are, and what you stand for. Thanks, Ken (Ft. Bragg)
Thank you for supporting Patriot Hunts and Mr Barnards passion for taking care of our combat wounded soldiers and their families.
SGT Ken Katter Fort Bragg
Thank you to all the folks at Husky Liners that provide the support to Patriot Hunts! The service that the Barnard’s provide to the Soldiers and families of our military community is unmatched, and it’s sponsors like Husky Liners that make it all possible. Land of the free, because of the brave!
If you could only see the faces of these national heroes, and their families………I have moved all my financial and volunteer support , though it be small, to Patriot Hunts. As I am a 100% disabled Vietnam vet I would like very much for these returnees to know that someone cares. Thank you for your support . We hope it can be a long relationship.
Larry Sessoms
318 andover Rd. Fayetteville, N.C. 28311
lsessoms1020@nc.rr.com
Ya know, Fred Bear was right on- you know it, and Matt knows it. This young man needs his soul cleansed and in this case, you are the one standing there holding the scrub brush for him.
I can only hope, somehow, someday, that you and Pam both fully understand what you are doing, but I dont think you could ever see all the second, third, and fourth order effects.
Keep doing what you are doing, Sir, and know that we are a phone call away if you need some help. Give Matt a big ‘ole hug ( I already know you will) and have a great time. I’d give a million bucks to see the look on his face when that first bird takes flight and he shoulders that gun….
Scott
Thanks again to Husky Liners for the support!
This comes from a retired 82D AIRBORNE combat veteran:
I come home with an honestly earned feeling that something good has
taken place. It makes no difference whether I got anything; it has to do
with how the day was spent.”
And not least, my favorite of them all, one I have told my son and his
friends in the past:
“If some of our teenage thrill seekers really want to go out and get a
thrill, let them go up into the Northwest and tangle with the Grizzly
Bear, the Polar Bear, and the Brown Bear. They will get their kicks, and
it will cleanse their souls.”
The overall experience of the hunt, the camp, and the shared experiences
that each of us brings to the campfire provide us all an enriching
experience that you cannot put a price on… Providing these veterans an
opportunity to share in the camaraderie of the hunt and the campfire
that follows, to revel in tall tales of the woods & waters and the
unwavering respect and fellowship that lingers long after the hunt… it
heals the soul.
Thank you Ken-
Mr. Eric Gaines
Husky Liners thanks for helping to support Patriot Hunts. The Wounded Warriors and their families are proof that our Freedom is not free. Every day they live with that fact. As a combat vet and retiree I have seen firsthand the tears of joy of families interacting with their Warrior’s in the great outdoors. Being there when a young boy shot his first dove, knowing his father who made the ultimate sacrifice would be beaming with pride. The ability for Patriot Hunts to continue the support of our Wounded Warriors and their families would not be possible without great sponsors like Husky Liners.
Dear Ken K, David, Ken B, Emily, Scott, Larry, Eric and Bob – we at Husky Liners are truly humbled by you all. We will never be able to thank our Active and Veteran service men and women enough for what they give us – Freedom. Patriot Hunts is more than a First Class organization or group of people, vets, actives and their families – Patriot Hunts is what true Americans are all about – Strength of Spirit, bound together, as one, for a most honorable cause. Freedom, Honor, Respect, Gratitude. Our Wounded Warriors have blessed us, the Fallen have blessed us, their Families have blessed us with their courage and their Strength of Spirit – and everyone that gives their time and opens their hearts to Ken and Pam through Patriot Hunts have blessed every American by giving back to those that have given all. If, by our small contribution to Patriot Hunts, we can support the Cause – we will continue to do so.
Again, you have our sincere gratitude for your kind words and sharing your stories with us and others about Patriot Hunts. Ken, Pam and the entire Patriot Hunts family will always have the support of Husky Liners. God bless you all, and God bless the United States of America and her Defenders of Freedom.
Letter forwarded from a wounded veteran, Matt:
Ken, you have no idea how happy I am to get this news and my wife is in tears. December 5th is my anniversary date for joining the military so that time holds a special meaning to me. I’ll make it no matter what to the meet & greet @ 9am and I’ll be able to drive myself (or my wife will drive depending on how I am when I wake up that morning) to the event as long as I have a good address for the GPS. I’ll be sure to knock the dust off of my field gun and I still have at least a box of high brass #6 pheasant loads along with an orange upland game vest. Is this a tower shoot or will there be walking involved? Is there an e-mail newsletter for the Patriot Hunts? I am happy that I did find the site but at the same time I’m a bit disappointed for coming around this late in the game. Again, THANK YOU for allowing me this great oppertunity. It’s been a long time that I actually had something to look forward to.
Thanks, Matt
Retired combat veteran Bob Lacey submitted this after having the opportunity to share a day with a Gold Star child of a fallen soldier:
Ken, thank you for the opportunity to hunt with Carson. His mannerism; respect for others, respect for someone else’s property (yours) and just his overall attitude took my breath away. The topping on the cake was when Carson got his first dove, first all excited then cool, calm and collected, he made it seem he’d been dove hunting his whole life. Words can’t describe what this hunt meant for me. I will surely gather my family around tonight, hold them a little tighter, and let them know they are loved. This young man will never have this opportunity again with his dad. Once again thank you and Pam for all you do.
Bob Lacey (R) US ARMY
Howdy Matt & Bob:
Matt, it is great to hear that you will be attending a Patriot Hunts event the first weekend December. Here is the link to the event info for everyone: http://www.patriothunts.org/calendar_details.php?cal_recid=15
Bob, what a wonderful story; thank you for sharing with us your hunting experience with Carson. Getting that first dove is pretty tough – heck, getting them at all is tough. For you to give your time to Patriot Hunts and Carson is appreciated by more people than you know. I hope you can encourage others to be involved and share their stories – we will keep posting and do our best to get the word out.
These stories make us proud to be a sponsor of Patriot Hunts.
As a Airforce brat and a “Proud Patriot” of this great country, I could not be more proud of the efforts put forward by all the volunteers that give of their time, resources, and dedication to Patriot Hunts and our wounded warriors, active duty, and Gold Star families. This organization started out of our love for this country, and the American soldier and everything he or she stands for. Ken and I hoped to take a few returning wounded veterans hunting or fishing from time to time in the begining, never dreaming it would become what it is today..A forum for soldiers to write or call into and share whatever is on their minds, not only their heartbreaking stories of injuries, but their desires to get back in the outdoors. I know that Ken loves these soldiers and this country with a passion like no other, and does whatever it takes to provide for these defenders of ‘Freedom’. When he visits or speaks with these soldiers, he lights up and truely cares about all of them, and the thought of not doing everything in his power to provide for these warriors that have given so much nevers enters his mind. I know in my heart he will never quit..never give up..and never leave a fallen comrade..
Thank you all at Husky Liners for supporting this worthy effort.
Pamela
This letter is from an injured soldier, Matt that attended a Pheasant Shoot we had December 4th, at Allen Brothers Hunting Preserve. I just wanted to share this, and let Husky Liners know that their continued support helps us provide for these soldiers..
This gentleman will eventually loose the use of his legs.
Thank you all!
Ken, I just wanted to thank you for organizing such an excellent event and inviting me to be a part of it. I am truly humbled that the volunteers and donors give so much to people that they don’t even know or will more than likely won’t see for a long time (or even ever again). The Allen Brothers are extremely generous to host/donate the event and make it a yearly thing. I felt very welcome and everyone was so nice to me…I don’t remember that I experienced kindness at that level before. The tower hunt was really unique and was nothing like I expected. It was fast paced and a lot more fun than I thought it would be. Personally I prefer to hunt behind a good bird dog but I don’t think that my body can do what my mind wants anymore as it’s almost midnight and I still feel I was violently thrown 10 flights of stairs from only walking in a big circle, and that’s still after enough percocets & oxycodone to kill a horse. I will more than likely won’t be able to sleep in a bed for a day or 2, but I wouldn’t have changed anything without a second thought. I’m not a person who typically expands more than “thank you” but I hope you can see that I really had the time of my life and truly appreciate all of the efforts that you and the volunteers have done…I am honestly touched. I really hope that I will be able to attend future events or even something simple that will get me out of the house for a few hours. You are an good man and I would be honored to call you a friend. Thanks, Matt
Recent Wounded Warrior Pheasant Shoot:
Ken,
Thanks for a first class event on Saturday. The boys loved it and Tori actually shot a couple birds too. From the escort and lunch to the skydivers and give away….thanks for the effort to go above and beyond. It was truly a memorable outdoor experience and it continues to help expose our boys to hunting and the the outdoors!
V/R,
LTC Scott Noon
JSOC J4
Ken,
My son and I participated in the pheasant hunt on Saturday.
This was our first time hunting birds and I have to tell you, we had the time of our life! It turned my 13 year old on to hunting for good and we had a wonderful bonding experience. I also wish to thank all of the sponsors. Without their support, our experience would never have happened.
Thanks again and we look forward to future opportunities with Patriot Hunts.
R,
John Crownhart
One of our guest that attended the Wounded Warrior Pheasant Shoot recently writes:
Ken,
First of all, let me convey a most sincere appreciation of what you, Pam, your sponsors and supporters put on for our Wounded Warriors last Saturday.
Again, I can’t tell you how moved and professionally impressed I was by the tremendous effort you and the rest of your supporters put on. The Wounded Warrior Pheasant Hunt down at Allen Brothers last Saturday was simply magnificent. In short and in my mind, a huge success. The obvious GOOD that was experienced by all present was truly exceptional and utterly inspiring to say the least. The cumulative effects of the much needed service Patriot Hunts is providing to the Defenders of Freedom residing in and around the Ft. Bragg area is truly making a difference. The importance of events such as these cannot actually be expressed. The positive effect that was achieved Saturday by those who were fortunate enough to have been able to attend the event, was enormous. We all owe these Warriors and their families who have sacrificed, such an enormous amount of gratitude… It really is inexpressible. I sincerely hope we at T1G are able to help out and that our contribution and continued desire to support enhances this noble effort. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all of y’all again.
God bless America.
Thanks for this forum Husky Liners, and the support.
Ken,
Mission accomplished. Posted some comments for the Pheasant Hunt. Thanks for everything. Your organization is doing great things. Thank you for all the time and effort you and all your friends have put into helping all of the Wounded Warriors, and Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen. It means alot to know there are people who truely care about Patriotism. Your entire organization and everyone who helps out are all just as patriotic as those of us who serve in the military. I have done alot of volunteering over the past 20 years of being in the Army to try to give back to my community, and I have learned that is takes dedication and hard work. Please pass along my thanks to everyone.
TREVOR A. PETERSON
1SG, USA
Hello Everyone: a new blog has been posted about the Tower Hunt: http://blog.huskyliners.com/2010/12/07/another-great-outing-for-wounded-warriors-from-patriot-hunts/
Thank you so much!
Wow, sounds like Patriot Hunts is a great way to do your part in giving back to the people that risk their lives for us!! I commend Patriot Hunts and Husky Liners for supporting this cause.
Thank you Custom Car Carpet! Yes, being involved with Patriot Hunts is a great way to give back to those that have given us so much. There are many supporters of Patriot Hunts, please visit their website to learn more. http://www.patriothunts.org
The pheasant shoot at Allen Brothers Preserve was a tremendous benefit for me and my family. Having just returned from nearly a year down range I was very appreciative for the Allen Bros setting up and hosting such a first class event. The work the Allen Brothers Preserve put into this event allowed me and a lot of other service member to introduce our families to the fast pace Pheasant Shooting and also provided a place for service members to see how appreciated they really are.
Thanks Again Allen Brothers Preserve and Ken Barnard
http://www.facebook.com/#!/video/video.php?v=184596218236603&comments
Check out this facebook video we posted form a recent duck hunt we took 5 soldiers on at Lake Waccamaw NC, courtesy of Kyle Peacock, and the never ending support of Husky Liners.
facebook page: Ken Barnard, Patriot Hunts
Three times during our conversation, Ken Barnard had to stop talking. He’d shake his head, drum his fingers on his desk and purse his lips. He wouldn’t let himself be overcome by emotion, but his sentiment showed itself in his glassy eyes.
“Sometimes it’s hard to talk about,” he managed to say. “These guys are just so inspirational. It really does make me a better person just being around them.”
Barnard was talking about the Wounded Warriors, active and retired soldiers, and Gold Star Families he’s come to know over the years. He’s spent time with them at cookouts, banquets and even in hospitals. But he prefers to get them into duck blinds, shady lakeshores and deer stands.
Barnard is the founder and president of Patriot Hunts, a nonprofit organization, which provides outdoors experiences to soldiers and their families. It’s his way of serving those who serve. And it all started with a few hunting trips
So much of a supporter that he founded Patriot Hunts which takes wounded Soldiers and children who have lost a military parent hunting and fishing.
Ken Barnard writes:
Patriot Hunts will be honoring our fallen heroes by creating a “Wall of Honor” on our web site with photos and stories from the Gold Star mom’s and wives remembering their loved ones.
These families will never forget this terrible sacrifice that has been made in the name of Freedom..so we as “Free American’s” must never forget…so we pay tribute to those that served.
Story from the Fort Bragg Paraglide regarding our Gold Star event.http://paraglideonline.net/042811_sports1.html
I just returned from a memorial service for fallen soldier MSG Ben Bitner. There were hundreds of his Special Forces brothers there to pay their respects. Ben was a senior team Sgt. for ODA3236 while on this deployment. What a fitting tribute to be surrounded by these Green Berets all through the crowd. I asked myself while listening to the playing of Amazing Grace on bagpipes, what have I done today in the name of Freedom? I ask all Americans, what have they, or do they do in the name of Freedom? I’ll tell you what this young man did…he gave his life. He leaves behind a loving family, a wife, 2 young sons that will not truely know what a great warrior and dad he was. All of us at Patriot hunts give back when and where we can, but it is still not enough in comparison to these brave souls. Today was very sad, it was very humbling, and at the same time I was absolutely proud to be there in that moment in time to witness this brotherhood amoung warriors that I have seen so many times at similar memorials. I tell you all who may read this..please, please take the time to thank a soldier when you can, stop them whenever and wherever you have the priveledge to do so. I promise you will be the better for it.
I love this soldiers and all they stand for, and I am very grateful for the Freedoms I have today, whcih is paid for by the blood of others. This debt I can never repay…God Bless our Military.
Patriot Hunts has 2 events planned for Sept. 17th, and Oct. 2-3. We have our annual Military & Wounded warrior Dove Hunt in Sept. thanks to help form the folks at Husky Liners again, and we have a Wounded Warrior crossbow deer hunt in Oct. thanks to the folks at Ten Point Cross Bows.