Sumter recently hosted a “Wounded Warrior Project” archery clinic. Coached by retired Army veteran Steven Coleman, the clinic served as preparation for soldiers hoping to qualify for the 2012 Warrior Games in Colorado.
On the second day, Army Staff Sgt. Jorge Haddock’s bow broke beyond repair. Having visited Crossroads Archery in Summerton the day before, Haddock called and confirmed the bow he needed was in stock. He and fellow archer Staff Sgt. Ammala Louangketh headed to Summerton.
What happened as Haddock and Louangketh were enroute is a testament to the generosity of South Carolina archers. Currently stationed in Germany, Haddock faced an expensive personal out-of-pocket expense. Crossroads owner Scott Dault contacted David Shull of Bowhunters of South Carolina, to see if the association could financially assist Haddock. Shull immediately agreed to help, as did Jimmy Sanders of Swamp Fox Archers. Sanders was competing in a tournament at the time and offered to speak with other clubs present. Without hesitation, the collective efforts of Shull, Sanders, Fred Connor (Lake Marion Archery Club), Bobby Flores (Sandune Archery Club), Drew Davis (Tamassee Hills), Brian & Woody Feagin (Vital Shot) and Wildlife Action Archery clubs, plus customer Bob Vaden, had paid for the bow in full by the time Haddock arrived.
One of the goals of the “Wounded Warrior Project” is raising public awareness. Thanks to South Carolina archers, this act of kindness had a ripple effect. Louangketh shared this story when they returned to Germany. The locals were so moved, they collected funds, purchased a Kevlar backstop/archery targets and set up an indoor archery space in the local community center. Archers now have a warm, dry place to practice and forge new friendships … a positive step toward the healing process. Your community can be proud the first step of that journey began in South Carolina.
Kimberly H. Dault
Summerton
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