SCI hosts annual Wounded Warrior and Wheelchair Hunt | News

BEAUFORT CO., SC (WTOC)- Patriotism was flying high Monday as many lined the avenue of flags at Nemours Plantation to welcome dozens of wounded warriors for Safari Club International's 8th annual Wounded Warrior and Wheelchair Hunt.

"Today was pretty incredible, all the support, it's been amazing," said Joe Hamilton, wounded warrior.

"It was awesome," said LeRoy Steigerwalt, Vietnam veteran. "Along with other Vietnam veterans, we didn't get a homecoming so that was totally awesome."

During the two-day event, wounded warriors, along with a number of disabled adults and children of deployed reservists, will get the opportunity to hunt on 24 private plantations in the area.

"It's an opportunity for us as sportsman to share what we love, the outdoors. It is a chance to thank the wounded warriors for their service to our country," said Mark Peterson, Safari Club International, event coordinator. "Show them they can still enjoy the outdoors and still get out to hunt and fish."

With the help of over 200 volunteers, wounded warriors like Joe Hamilton are able to do just that.

"It's great," said Hamilton. "I've been looking forward to this for several weeks. This is a great opportunity. It's been almost 2 years since I've got to hunt or go anywhere."

"Its another opportunity to meet other wounded warriors and be with guys who have experienced what you experienced," said Nate Moore, wounded warrior.

For Steigerwalt and his son Ray, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, this is a time to reunite.

"He went in in 2002 and had been gone all this time. We didn't have a chance to do anything so this is great," said Steigerwalt. 

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