In the quiet of the Arkansas woods, Darby's Warrior Support (DWS) gives something back to people who have served on the front lines. Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2014, after running informally since 2002, DWS brings post-9/11 combat veterans, many from the Special Operations community, together for weekends of hunting, fishing and the company of people who understand. TEKTO was invited along for one of those weekends. Here is how it went, and what the organization does the rest of the year.
A Retreat on 4,000 Acres
Most DWS guests carry the physical and emotional weight of multiple combat deployments since 2001. The organization invites them in small groups for weekends of hunting and fishing on about 4,000 acres, with one aim: a place where the healing comes from camaraderie and time in the open.
DWS also looks after military families. Its youth hunting program gives soldiers and their children a weekend in the woods or on the water together, deer hunts and duck-and-deer combination hunts, for experienced and first-time hunters alike.
A Hunting Trip to Remember
A TEKTO representative joined one of the hunts. The mood was easy and expectant, and the organization's sponsors and community make sure the only cost to a guest is a hunting or fishing license. The veterans carried the F3 Charlie through the weekend, and we came home with more than the hunt: a sense of connection and of why this work matters. There is a short video from the trip.
Serving Those Who Serve
DWS runs lean. Four full-time employees handle operations and administration, volunteers do the rest, and donors and sponsors fund it, so that what comes in goes to the soldiers: food, transportation, equipment and supplies. The organization has grown, but it is still what it started as, a gathering of friends sharing the outdoors, laughter and understanding.
From duck and deer hunts to fishing trips, the programs offer a whole-person kind of healing for people who have given a great deal. You can donate to Darby's Warrior Support here.
The Knives We Brought
The F3 Charlie went on the hunt. The rest are the knives we would pack for the next one.
People Are Asking
What is Darby's Warrior Support?
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Arkansas, formal since 2014 and informal since 2002, that hosts post-9/11 combat veterans for hunting and fishing weekends on about 4,000 acres. Guests pay nothing but their license. Donors and volunteers cover the rest.
Who can attend a Darby's Warrior Support weekend?
Post-9/11 combat veterans, with a focus on the Special Operations community, and through the youth program, soldiers with their children. Experienced and first-time hunters are both welcome. The organization's site has the details on applying.
How can I support Darby's Warrior Support?
Donate through their website, sponsor a hunt, or volunteer. With four full-time staff and a volunteer model, the money goes to the soldiers' food, transport and equipment.
