Freedom Hunters recently hosted a group of service members for a hunt at Patriot Point.
“We had every service represented except for Air Force, many of them decorated,” said Tom Deoudes, regional director for Freedom Hunters.
The guests had received three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star and a couple Bronze Stars, Deoudes said.
The group relaxed watching football the night before the hunt, then headed out early the next morning for a hunt.
No Warrior Left Behind recently hosted a group of recovering service members and a recovering law enforcement member for a weekend duck hunt at Patriot Point. The group hit the blinds early Saturday morning and within 40 minutes, there were 40 ducks in the bag.
“Thank you so much for the great weekend of camaraderie, fun and skill,” wrote Adam Devine, a marine who is a double-amputee above the knee. “The duck hunt was second to none! There were so many ducks! Patriots Point was a great place to go. The shooting range, gym, common house and dorm house were clean and well taken care of.
“I needed this weekend to help me unwind from all the stressful things going on and not have anxiety about who I was hunting with. Having other warriors, both military and law enforcement, around allowed me to let my guard down and just relax. Thanks again for a great weekend and I hope you are able to help other warriors with more events like this one. Cheers!”
Jeremiah Gorsuch, a U.S. army explosive ordinance disposal service member who had both knee amputated below the knee, wrote: “I had such a great time on the trip to Patriot Point. This is exactly what I needed after having to spend so much time at Walter Reed lately. I was able to meet some veterans and police officers on the trip that I can now call friends. I would definitely recommend this trip to other veterans/first responders.”
Operation Second Chance recently hosted eight recovering service members and their spouses and caregivers for a weekend retreat at Patriot Point, sponsored by Under Armour Freedom.
The group enjoyed a fantastic weekend, with a morning pheasant shoot, following by breakout sessions for the men and women. There was also a watercolor painting session for the couples and “dinner was bountiful,” said Walt Ellenberger, chairman of the steering committee for OSC Delmar.
“It was an absolutely beautiful weekend,” Ellenberger said. “Just a great experience. Our objective is to get these guys out. At one point, we were discussing that we should have blocked in a little more down time into the agenda because you’re so busy and it goes by so quickly.”
Patriot Point recently hosted eight active-duty service members for a USO-Metro retreat. Many of the service members were new to the military and National Capital Region, so the opportunity for them to bond was particularly meaningful. The group fished, enjoyed bonfires on beach and roasted marshmallows. Dencil Harrison, the USO-Metro center supervisor at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall said that the group already was talking about getting a chance to return to Patriot Point. “Such a wonderful weekend!” he said.
Task Force Resolute, which makes a difference in the lives of combat veterans by providing recreational outings, earlier this month hosted a small group of veterans and their wives for a weekend at Patriot Point.
The group enjoyed touring the property, fishing in the Choptank River and working out in the Under Armour Freedom Fitness Center, among other activities. While high tides prevented the group from going crabbing, Patriot Point property manager Tim Mitchell and his wife Sherry cooked soft shell crabs for everyone to enjoy.
“That was an unexpected gesture that we all enjoyed so much,” Task Force Resolute Executive Director Leta Carruth said. “Our sleeping accommodations were perfect and so comfortable.
“Most of all, the veterans were able to relax, visit and reconnect with each other – what they wanted and needed most from this trip. They all remarked over and over about what a wonderful and special place Patriot Point is and how being able to be with each other in such a private setting was the recharge they each needed.”
At the end of the weekend, as everyone prepared to return home, Carruth said, talk turned to next summer and wanting to make a return trip to Patriot Point.
“They wanted to come back next summer and bring their children and more of their veteran friends to enjoy the peace and ability to relax and reconnect with their former battle buddies,” Carruth said. “As you know, there really is no better ‘medicine’ than that.
“We cannot begin to thank all of you at Patriot Point enough for allowing us to utilize your incredible venue. One of the members of our group finds it difficult to get away from the spotlight. Patriot Point was the perfect venue for him and his wife to instantly let their guard down and enjoy time with battle buddies and treasured friends. Patriot Point is such a gem – the perfect place for our veterans and their families to get away.”
Bravo Zulu Outdoors earlier this month hosted 13 veterans and their families for a relaxing weekend at Patriot Point.
The group enjoyed time on the water, bonding with family, and fantastic food. It was a peaceful weekend with beautiful weather. Patriot Point property manager Tim Mitchell took several guests crabbing, while others kayaked, fished, and generally enjoyed themselves. The high tides made for a truly memorable event that will not soon be forgotten.
Recap from Shawn Sabia, USO-Metro Manager, Center Operations
USO of Metropolitan Washington-Baltimore hosted several military families from across the National Capital Region for a fun-filled weekend at Patriot Point. USO-Metro brought 14 families — a total of 54 individuals — from eight different duty stations in the DMV for a family camping trip.
For many of the guests, it was their first time ever camping. They were treated to delicious food, included freshly-caught crabs. The families spent hours on the water enjoying the mild fall temperatures courtesy of On The Edge kayaking and paddle boarding.
The rest of the weekend was full of fun crafts, family activities and a raucous game of Human Foosball, capped with some delicious s’mores.
The families were in awe of the beauty of Patriot Point and its mission of supporting wounded, ill and injured service members. The sounds of laughter and squeals of joy filled the air from kids that were thrilled to run and play with other military kids. Despite having never met before, they instantly felt a kinship in their shared military lifestyle. It is fair to say that the only ones happier than the kids were the parents. Parents overjoyed at how fast their little ones fell asleep after a long day of fun. Thank you to Patriot Point and the Military Bowl for assisting the USO in creating life long memories for these military families.
The Maryland Veterans Home Commission and staff from the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home/MDVA recently visited Patriot Point for the MVHC quarterly meeting. The group met with Patriot Point property manager Tim Mitchell and received an overview of the property and the opportunities for guests.
Secretary George W. Owings, III and the Maryland Veterans Home Commission presented Tim with a Vietnam Memorial pin.
Celebrity Chef Thomas Kozak from Grandale Restaurant in Hillsboro, Va., made an incredible meal for a group of supporters last week as they gathered at the property to raise money for Patriot Point programs. The group also had the opportunity to experience all our service members enjoy when they visit Patriot Point.
Recent guests to Patriot Point have taken advantage of the latest addition to the property, a beautiful new outdoor kitchen as several groups made significant donations. The project was procured by Bob Basarab, Belair Road Supply’s director business development.
“My dad was military, as well my uncle and my grandfather,” Basarab said. “I saw what that meant to them and then I met [Patriot Point managing partners] Steve [Beck] and Stuart [Plank] and they showed me Patriot Point and I knew it was my calling to help. It’s become a part of my life and I enjoy meeting the guys and spending time with them, any way I can.”
The kitchen includes a large grill, pavers and walls donated by Nicolock, a top manufacturer of paving stones for patios, retaining walls, outdoor fire pits and more. Ryan Drawbaugh of Eldorado Stone of Greencastle, Pa., donated outdoor boxes and stone.
“Nicolock donated this grill on behalf of all the veterans and military that provide protection and service for our country,” said Carl Peterson, Nicolock’s director of education/outdoor room products. “Nicolock stands by our veterans and we know the importance of giving back to those who serve.”
