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Wounded vets enjoy fishing trip on the Chesapeake Bay

Record Observer (Centreville, MD) - 7/29/2016

STEVENSVILLE - Five wounded veterans visited Queen Anne's County recently for a fishing adventure, sponsored by Wounded Heroes Hunting Camp.

The organization offers wounded veterans the opportunity to get outdoors and unite with fellow Wounded Heroes during their adventures, said WHHC guide Chris Rupp, who coordinated the trip.

Wounded Heroes attending included Army veterans Billy Summers, James Taulbee, Tim Shives, Navy veteran Christopher Mathena and Air Force veteran James New. Each brought a wife, family member or caregiver with them.

They arrived July 11 and were treated to dinner at Fisherman's Crab Deck and accommodations at The Hilton Garden Inn at Kent Narrows. At dinner, they were welcomed by Queen Anne's County Commissioner Jack Wilson and representatives from the Grasonville VFW.

Rupp had invited members of the local VFW to join the group for dinner, but he got a surprise. Former Post Commander Craig Conrad and current Jr. Vice Commander James Clark came not for dinner, but the thank the veterans for their service, and they donated an unsolicited $1,000 to help defray the costs of the event.

Early July 12, the group headed out for a day on the Bay with Captain Mike Sadler of The Southern Belle charter boat, out of Kentmorr Marina in Stevensville.

Sadler helped the veterans catch 13 legal-sized rockfish. Every veteran caught at least one. Upon arrival back from their excursion the fish were filleted by personnel at the Kentmorr Marina for the vets to take home for dinner.

Founded in 2012, WHHC, an all-volunteer 501(c)3 organization, sponsors regular hunting and fishing trips for veterans to help them with their healing process. According to its mission statement, "WHHC is dedicated to going above and beyond to make an unforgettable experience for those who truly deserve it."

Rupp said, "The hunting and fishing trips challenge them, empower them, and enable them to do the things they love to do. All expenses paid, our group focuses on uniting fellow Wounded Heroes on our outdoor adventures."

He is planning another trip here for veterans in September.

For more information about WHHC, go online to www.whhcamp.org. There is also a facebook listing at www.facebook.com/whhcamp.