Letterkenny Army Depot marks 20-year milestone hosting Wounded Warrior event

Official Statements

• Letterkenny Army Depot, November 9: “CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — For the 20th consecutive year, Letterkenny Army Depot hosted service members and children for the annual Wounded Warrior and Hunt of a Lifetime hunt from Oct. 23-25.

  This year, eight soldiers and two children participated in the event.

  “This hunt provides a quality hunting experience to individuals who may have issues doing this on their own due to health issues or lack of hunting experience,” said Matt Miller, LEAD Natural Resources manager. “Both the service members and children from Hunt of a Lifetime also enjoy interacting with each other on these hunts.

  “Some of these hunters have a lot of experience, but several individuals on this year’s hunt were able to understand what hunting is about and take home some of the leanest, heart-healthiest meats available.”

  LEAD participates with these organizations to provide a public outreach opportunity. The individuals participating in these hunts typically do not know what LEAD does or its mission. Conducting this hunt brings awareness to individuals in the Chambersburg community and others from many other states across the country.

  According to Miller, not only does this hunt benefit the participants from Wounder Warrior and Hunt of a Lifetime, but it also helps the depot as well.

  “The benefits to LEAD are to help control our deer population, reduce deer-vehicle collisions, and maintain a healthy herd,” said Miller. “The event also provides volunteer opportunities to LEAD employees and community members.”

  Sam Pelesky, from the LEAD Environmental Office, is one of those who takes time off and volunteers with the event every year. Pelesky serves as a hunting guide for the participants and assists with planning, scouting, and setting up the hunting locations.

  “This event is really special for providing a unique outdoor experience,” said Pelesky. “The depot is a great place to host these individuals and accommodate them in a sport they’ve always enjoyed or have always wanted to try.

  “It seems deserving to give back to the service members who gave so much for this country, and to provide a nice experience for the young hunters that are struggling with an illness.”

  The Army Wounded Warrior Program is the official Army program that serves severely wounded, ill, and injured Soldiers, veterans and their families.

  The Hunt of a Lifetime program is a non-profit organization with the mission of granting hunting and fishing dreams to children, 21 and under, who have been diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses.

  The LEAD Wounded Warrior and Hunt of a Lifetime annual hunt is organized by the direction of the Directorate of Public Works in coordination with Letterkenny Munitions Center.

  To obtain additional information about the annual hunt at LEAD, contact the LEAD Natural Resources Office at 717-267-8674.”