Bald Head Island Hosts Wounded Warriors Events
Recently, the community, businesses and developer of Bald Head Island teamed with the not-for-profit Wounded Warriors Project to host three soldiers and their families on the island for a weekend retreat. The soldiers, who visited April 10-14, have all suffered severe injuries during service.
While on Bald Head Island, the families had a chance to spend quality time together to relax and heal while escaping the rigors of everyday life.
"You have no idea how much this trip means to me and my family," said Sgt. Truman Stewart, U.S. Army, who is stationed at Fort Bragg. "Just the quiet and solitude of the island has really helped me." Stewart suffered injuries and burns to his legs when his vehicle was hit by a rocket in Afghanistan.
Planning and execution of the event was truly a group effort. Bald Head Island Limited, the island's developer, donated housing and transportation. Larry Lammert, Mayor of Bald Head Island, and the village councilmen provided planning and financial assistance. The Bald Head Island Club provided temporary club memberships and meal invitations to the families. The BHI Conservancy staff offered opportunities for birding and kayaking expeditions, as well as nature walks. The Old Baldy Foundation allowed the families to explore the historic museum and climb to the top of North Carolina's oldest lighthouse. Finally, the Property Owners Association held a pot luck dinner, and island residents acted as stewards to the visiting families.
"We are extremely grateful to these servicemen for what they do for our country every day," said Mayor Lammert. "Hosting them on Bald Head Island for the weekend was the least we could do to say ‘thank you.'"
The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project, a not-for-profit entity, is to honor and empower wounded military personnel. The project was founded on the principle that veterans are our nation's greatest citizens, and seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world.
Owing to the success of this event, planning is in the works for another Wounded Warriors Project event on Bald Head Island in the near future.
