Iraq service men. Updated Jan 6th.

[Daveinthebush]

If you are serving in Iraq or have served:

I am a vet too and not one person did anything for me after I returned from Vietnam.

So here is my offer:  Anytime after May 28th, this year, next or the next.
If you can make it to Alaska, I will pick you up at the airport, bring you to Valdez, board you at my place and take you halibut, salmon in the fall, or bear hunting.  You'll have to take care of the license but my boat, bait stands and knowledge are yours.

PM me if you are interested and we will see what we can do.  Hang in there guys!

[Matt in AK]

Dave -- from my dad.  "Tell Dave he sure helped out one Vietnam vet. "  Dad's a fellow Vietnam vet and Dave took him, me, and my son (three generations) fishing in '03.  The fish were fightin' to get into the boat.  Dad, awarded the silver star while bringing home planes with big holes in 'em, said the same thing about his reception after Vietnam.  He's coming to visit this year and I'll take him to "The Wall" in DC.  We'll trace his room-mate's name while we're there .  If you have some friends' whose names you need, just say so.

Good news?  America has, perhaps, turned around.  When we came back from the desert in '91, women were hugging us in the airport...  When I came home this last time, a fella in KY took my son and I hunting.  Things have changed and we still owe you a welcome home, Dave.  The door is always home and you've got a free hunt anywhere I'm stationed.  

Oh yeah, the first Spring I can shake loose...I'll be there.

[Gun Runner]

Dave just might take you up on that offer this summer, as trying to make a trip up there. Served U.S.Navy 1957-1977. 5 tours nam plus a after the "War" tour on a mine sweep clearing hai-phong (or how ever you spell it) for the POW release.

Can remember when here in commifornia that your military I.D. served as your hunting and fishing lic, no matter what state you were from. Thats a thing of history.

Gun Runner

[Daveinthebush]

Let me know when you are planning on being here.  I will send you my address, phone and email.  Be glad to take a fellow "Jewel of the Orient" veteran out.

[Gun Runner]

Dave its not CARVED IN GRANITE, yet but am trying to work things.
And tks again to the offer to all who served.

Gun Runner

[fe352v8]

Dave, I think your doing a wonderful thing.  When I left Vietnam I put Alaska on my dream sheet, my grandfather WW I, had always wanted to go but never did. I was sent to FT. Wainwright, in Fairbanks, Co. C (airborne) 4 Bn 9 Inf 172 arctic light infantry (Manchu). Those eligible for your generous offer should go.  Alaska is the most beautiful place in the world and the people are outstanding.  We parachuted into Barrow, crossed the Brooks range, went to Sitka, Kodiak, climbed the Cordova glacier, and even pulled some climbers of mckinley or is it Denali, whatever Alaska is the closest thing I ever saw to proof that there is a God.  It has been 30 years since I was there and I still think about it.

jon

[Daveinthebush]

Hey no responses.  Must be our boys are busy with the election over there.

Matt "who hates" DC?  Is there a better way or another web site that might be better to extend this offer?

[summitx]

DAVEINTHEBUSH
 It is a wonderful thing your doing, I belong to another forum and if you want I could post it there, it is a Marine Corp forum

[CrustyCPL.]

Dave.....I just found this site in another forum also, and i have to say, YOU, are makeing 1 hell of an offer!
I too am a NAM Vet. 64-66 two tours, and I am still not over the fact, that people in the Civilian world, think that we are Baby Killers!!  I am reminded of it daily, even though it was 30 some years ago!
Thanks again Dave, if i ever get to Alaska, i'll look you up!!!!




SemperFi

[Matt in AK]

Dave,

Try the Trad Gang (traditional archery) at www.tradgang.com  .  I'll bet you get a few bites right off the bat.  At the top of their Pow-Wow page, there's a long string dealing with getting bows to the troops in Iraq.  I'll almost guarantee one of those fellas will take you up on your generous offer.

EDIT -- I went ahead and posted a link on Trad Gang to this topic and told 'em a bit about the hunt.  I sure hope you post a lot of pics of this one.   Here's the link  http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=1&t=016102

Hate DC?  Me?  It took me over two hours to get home today.  Got our first snow in DC.  I figure a lot of folks thought it was "raining cocaine" and came out just to get stupid.

Matt

[Matt in AK]

Roadkill on the TradGang site posted this:

I served in RVN and the last unpleasantness in the Iraq Desert. Love to throw mt hat in the ring to this selflessly supplied adventure, but think these guys in country now need it and deserve it. My thanks to Dave for the offer to the right deserving vet. I do wish someone would have tendered sucha deal to us when we returned.

Dave, any a**hole can pee on the floor, takes a hero to sh** on the ceiling-you're a ceiling kind of guy for this great offer.

skip

[Daveinthebush]

I am but one grain of sand out of millions.  I would bet that we could find more support for our boys in all parts of the country and even start here on GB.

Our soldiers in Iraq are giving far more than a year or two of their lives. It is something that is going to haunt them the rest of their lives.  The memories of lost comrades, what-ifs, why not me, why me.  I remember William George and George Gammon like it was yesterday.  Today they are memorialized on a panel in Washington.  I have others that I have no idea of what happened to them after they were medivaced.  

If I could go over to Iraq and take the place of one family man I would do so without hesitation.  I think any vet might.  While we might not like how the war was started, we might not wholly support our President for committing them to combat, it just does not matter.  Our boys need our support and unconditional love, not only now but upon return and in the future.

[Matt in AK]

Dave,

A fellow Graybearder in Kentucky, Butlerford45, took me and my son deer hunting on his farm when I got back from the giant kitty litter box.  Chad got a shot "at" his first buck.  I don't have access to any honey-holes around here so I'll send you a check for your guest's license.  I'm pretty sure I've saved your mailing address somewhere.  

Matt

[379 Peterbilt]

Dave, I have nothing to offer in this thread, other than I just wanted to say I think what you are trying to do is very very nice. Hope you do in fact find at least one applicant.

There is a very remote chance that I can find a guy that fits your bill, but if I do, I'm sendin' him yer way.

Former military myself....

[Daveinthebush]

I found one Marine and will try to get him over here.  He has been over there two years or two tours.  

I have to email him back tonight.

[Moose-Hunter]

You're a good man, Dave. God Bless!

[Daveinthebush]

Jumper is a Marine that is about to complete his second tour in Iraq.

Dear Jumper:

Thanks for the reply.  I will try to answer all of your questions and I am going to post this on the site for others to assist them.

1.  I cannot and will not accept any money, goods or services in return for taking you fishing or hunting.  It is against the law here anyways.

2.  I am out of work on the 28th of May. I have one person coming in on the 29th that is going to fly into Valdez. He leaves the 11th of June. Bear baiting ends the 15th of June. This would be the best time.

3.  Costs.

A.   I will pick people up in Anchorage, a 5 hour drive if need be. I think it costs about $175 to fly over here from Anchorage. I “might” be able to get that flight for free.  I will try.

B.     License – Non-resident bear is $85 + $300 for bear tag. (I have one volunteer that says he would pay the price of one license already)
   I am not sure what a non-res. fishing is but not that much for a ten-day tag.

C.     I have a small place and if someone does not mind large Labradors he could stay here. I might also have access to a B&B for free.  Meals are on me, if you like shrimp, halibut and things Alaskan.

D. Equipment – You just never know here so:
   Rain gear is a must always.
   Fall type clothing as it might be cold on the boat at night returning home.
   18” rubber boots
   I have duplicates of almost everything. Knifes, game bags, gloves, bug dope.
   You really only need minimal gear.

E.  Hunt locations:

Bait Stands: We will have 2 bait stations going out on Prince William Sound. We took 2 bears off of one last year that were over 7’.  We (Alaskans) are allowed one bear in Unit 6 and two more in Unit 13.  So we will have two bait stands in Unit 13 too. Unit 13 is about an hour away.

Spot and stalk: If we see one up north and someone wants to try fine, lets go. Out in the sound you can travel 300 yards from shore and be at 1,500 feet in elevation. I am not young enough to do it anymore although I did last spring. Sweat soaked right through my heavy coat and the bear won.

F. Weather:  Last spring was beautiful.  More like New York falls but beautiful. Temps were around 40 at night and to 60 in the day.

G. Shot Distances: Stands allow one to shoot from 10-20 yards. Some people do not like baiting but it allows for good shot placement, allows you to select a good bear and you can usually avoid shooting a female.  
     
H. I love bow hunting and that is all that is needed from a stand. Spot and stalk is tougher and probably requires a gun. I have a S&W .44 mag. 629, TC .44 mag., 30/30, .445 supermag, 7600 in .35 Whelen, H&R in 30/30, .243, .35 Whelen,.357 Max, 788 Rem. in .308.  Any will do and are available.  For a backup I carry an 870 Rem.

I. I will be taking you to stand and staying unless???  It is not wise to hunt alone from a stand.  When I shot mine last year I had to contend with two other bears being there at the same time. About as fun as a carload of Iraq’s!!

Anything else???

Dave Armstrong

[Daveinthebush]

Looks like we have a chopper pilot currently in Mosul that is going to come up for a spring bear hunt!

Sounds like a lot of fun!

Edited: 1/21

Our pilot, Jumper is an Army CWO who flys wounded soldiers to the military hospitals out of Mosul.  He has served two tours over there.  He is, I think, in shock that he is coming to Alaska as it has been a dream of his and probably could not make it on military pay.  He should be here around May the 28th till June 6th.  Our Texan's weapon of choice is a Black Widow stick bow for the hunt.  If Matt-in-DC remembers, we are renting the cabin at the end of Jacks Bay and hunting out of there.  

I am getting excited already on the prospect of the hunt! :grin:

[Dand]

this is neat Dave.  I want to stay abreast of developments as the time gets closer.  Keep this thread alive.

[Daniel in Ak]

Dave,my hats off to you bud.I've been watching this board for sometime,and everytime I read what your offering it gives me goose bumps.
Like you I try to help out when I can because I for one also know what it's like coming from the Gulf War to home and in a rut.But thats another story.
Now that Im out of the Marine Corps,my wife is active duty here in Fairbanks,and we where trying to set up a hunt for Blackbears down there and she said well looks like Ill have to go to Iraq and tehn talk to Dave,but that was in fun.
Pretty soon and then in Aug we are loosing four people out of my housing unit of eight that are going to Iraq,sucks in a way as I took one of them on his first dip netting trip last year and my new neighbor Im getting into hunting,after I took my 1st grizz he was pupmped.
Anyhow I passed on to him what your doing If he wanted a bear bad enough,as I know you can helpm out more so than I.
Sure does bite watching everyone around me leaving,but Im thankful my wife hasnt gone yet.And my hunting partner is leaving also to never come back,so that truly sucks,and he's alreday known 17 people to loose there life over there,so it homes hard living on base and to see and hear whats going on,and with that said my hats off to you bud you are the man.

[Daveinthebush]

Daniel:  Thanks for the kind words.  It looks like I have 2 people coming in May, 6 and 10 days each.  One gentleman serving in Iraq and one vet, AKA brother-in-law.

The officer coming over is leaving Iraq on Sat., he hopes.  He flies medivac chopper so it is rather intense some days.  I have had three people so far contribute in some form to the expenses.  That is great.  I plan on showing him the Alaska that most don't see.  

There is still a lot of time left in the fishing season.  Silvers int he fall are a blast.

[Daniel in Ak]

Im so glad people are helping you out on such a great odder.My wife almost flew as a meddic on the choppers,but finally turned it down,as she would have been gone in the field alot,so it's good she's in the Hospital.Our Meddic Helo's up here help out alot up here evaqing civilians.You know Hikers hurt,lost ,vehicle accidents etc....so they keep busy.
 This is my third winter here and I havent fall fished for silvers at all oh! heck not even in the summer either.Long drive down south.Sad thing is my wife will be gone all of this june and july,so there goes her fishing,and it wont be the same without here.

Speaking of showing the fellas an Alaskayou dont get to see often,dude I almost never got to see Alaska again last year.Thank God Im still around.Up at Chicken I had a grizz come at me,cant blame her because I was chasing her and well we passed each other up somewhere along the way,and it's a good thing I check my back trail,she was standing on her hind legs looking at me.Anyhow Imsure they'll absolutly just love to see Alaska,harvesting a bear will be the bonus.Wonder why I waited 24 years before coming back?

[Daveinthebush]

My upcoming guest, Scott, left Iraq and is now in Kwait.  I think that he will be back home by the 15th.

I have recieved 2 donations to help him out with expenses with other promises.  Amazing what people will do.  One person is actually making Scott some custom cedar traditional arrows to use on the hunt. I am keeping track of everything and will give credit where credit is due when I write up the story.

We rented the cabin at Jack Bay for six days.  If none of you have seen Jack Bay......well it is not a place for a family man.  Just because he may not want to ever go home again.

[kciH]

Dave, send me your email in a PM.  I'm a man of means by no means, but I'd like to help you out with this project.

Thanks for your service, and your continued service.

Steven

[Daveinthebush]

Steven:  My email is daveinthebush@yahoo.com.  I may be slow to answer as my computer is in the shop and I can only email for work right now.

Thanks, Dave

P.S.  Scott arrived back in the Good Old USA on Saturday.

P.S.++  Well it looks like I have three people coming up to hunt.  It should be quite a trip.  Last person is a veteran from Afganistan.

Need a bigger boat. :eek:

[Daveinthebush]

It is hard to believe but six people have commited and made donations for this hunt.   Awesome guys!  

I am keeping track on a spreadsheet where everything is going.  I have also maintained a list of address and names so Scott can write thank-yous after the hunt if he wants too.

Now if the weather would break a little more so I can work on the boat.

[Daveinthebush]

Well my second soldier has confirmed his flight to me.  So I have one person the last week of May and two the first week of June. Please don't tell my hunting partner :roll: .

Seems that some liquid refresments are on their way from Kentucky.  I wonder what that will be?  I can't drink beer so that sound great! :grin:

[fe352v8]

Thanks for the up date Dave, and thanks for what you are doing.  Give those boys my best, and tell them I hope for their safety, and my thanks for their service, and my apologies for their having to experience a war.

jon

[tjkanavel]

if this offer is still available,i'd love to take you up on it. i am stationed here in anchorage (at elmendorf) and just got back a few weeks ago. let me know what i need to do.my e-mail is neberkanezerus@yahoo.com.

[Daveinthebush]

tjkanavel:  I am going to post this responce here so that others can see also.

Right now in May and June I have three (One brother-in-law and two servicemen.) people coming up to bear hunt.  That is pretty much going to strap me down a bit the rest of the summer.  I am not a rich man, just a teacher who is a vet also.

I have 1-2 people that want to fish and "might" (?) make it over.   No commitments.

Silver season in the end of July-early August is fairly open.  It is easy to do,  fairly inexpensive and only a short trip out if any.  If you think you want to try for silver season let me know. It would also give you an idea of the bear hunting terroritory.

I also drew a goat tag for Kodiak.  My best chance at a goat is August if I can make it. It is also the best time to go out for deer to the entrance.  So I may be gone a week in August.

Next year is wide open for bears.  If you want to be first on the list for next year to hunt we can keep in touch.

The first person I ever took out was from Elmen.  Matt-in-AK.  He took a plush job at the Pentagon. Guess he did not like Alaska. :roll: