Turkey shoot aims to raise money to help vets
Published 7:00 am Wednesday, September 30, 2015
![PATRIOTIC AWARENESS: On Veterans Day last year, members of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary unveiled the “Fallen Soldier Battle Cross” pictured above. File photo.](https://www.picayuneitem.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2015/09/Vet-awareness.jpg)
PATRIOTIC AWARENESS: On Veterans Day last year, members of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary unveiled the “Fallen Soldier Battle Cross” pictured above. File photo.
Members of the Confederation of Leathernecks Motorcycle Club of Picayune will help support U.S. veterans one turkey shoot at a time.
On Oct. 3, the club plans to host their annual turkey shoot for the community at the American Legion in Picayune, located at 2500 Union School Road.
Ronald Lowe, the club’s event coordinator, said this event is their main fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the turkey shoot benefit U.S. veterans and service members involved with the Wounded Warrior Project, the Disabled American Veterans Home on the Gulf Coast and Collins State Veterans Home.
This cause hits close to home for Lowe. He was in the Marine Corps for six years. Now retired, he dedicates his time to help other veterans in the community, along with the club’s 15 active members.
“This is a worthwhile club,” Lowe said. “We’re a motorcycle club, but we’re former marines. We support our veterans.”
The turkey shoot begins at noon. The cost for a round is $60 and $2 to $5 for the purchase of individual shots. Catfish plates will also be available for $7 per plate. Community members will get the opportunity to participate in the silent auction following the turkey shoot. Lowe said they also plan to raffle off an AR-15 assault rifle.
Last year, the club raised nearly $6,000 for veterans during the event and Lowe hopes to raise just as much or more in order to support local veterans.
According to the Wounded Warrior Project website, for every U.S. soldier killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, seven are wounded. Combined, over 48,000 servicemen and women have been physically injured in the recent military conflicts.
Lowe said the club strives to continue assisting the Wounded Warrior Project and other organizations that help U.S. veterans.