Companies partner with new initiative to honor injured soldiers
RVC Outdoor Destination’s Live Oak Landing RV Park in Freeport announces the launch of its Wounded Warrior Fishing sponsorship.
The RV park has partnered with retired U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. and current U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Mark McDuffie of Wounded Warrior Fishing, to offer the program designed to help soldiers injured physically or mentally in Iraq or Afghanistan a time to relax and enjoy fishing and the outdoors with their families. The program will host an injured soldier and his or her family one night each week to enjoy activities such as fishing trips, river tours, onsite recreation and a cookout – free of charge.
McDuffie first started the program a year ago, as a nonprofit called Wounded Warrior Fishing. Injured while fighting in Iraq, McDuffie operates his fishing charter at the Live Oak Landing property and will head up the new partnership sponsored by Live Oak’s parent company RVC Outdoor Destinations.
“Having been wounded at war, I can relate to what many of these injured soldiers are going through,” said McDuffie. “I know that when a soldier suffers, his family does, too, and while I can’t take away their pain or completely understand their particular situation, I can offer them time to relax with their families. At the end of the day, if we can put a smile on their faces for a few hours or for a weekend, we’ve done our job.”
In addition to the weekly program, Live Oak Landing will host 10 injured soldiers and their families during an end-of-summer celebration the last weekend of September. The group will be able to fish with local professionals, take boat rides on the Choctawhatchee Bay, eat BBQ from local restaurants, enjoy massages and relax.
In addition, Live Oak Landing offers active and retired military members discounts on lodging.
To nominate someone for the Wounded Warrior Fishing program, please contact McDuffie at mark_mcduffie@hotmail.com or call RVC’s Live Oak Landing at 877-436-5063.
About RVC Outdoor Destinations
RVC Outdoor Destinations develops, owns and operates a portfolio of high-quality outdoor vacation properties located within some of the country’s most beautiful natural settings and offering upscale services and amenities. Memphis, Tenn.-based RVC is redefining the traditional camping experience with its original Outdoor Destination concept that provides guests with a customizable outdoor vacation through a variety of affordable lodging options, including RV sites, yurts, cabins and cottages, all with enhanced guest amenities and recreational activities. For more information, please visit www.rvcoutdoors.com.