The Paralyzed Veterans of America have 34 chapters across the United States and two of them right here in Wisconsin. Today dozens of paralyzed veterans from across Wisconsin we’re offered some opportunities to get back into the sports that they used to.
Shooting clay pigeons isn't for everyone. But for many veterans picking up a rifle again, it’s like jumping back on a bike not used in years.
"I never shot trap prior to my accident," says Jim Rutledge of Monroe, Wisconsin.
Veteran Rutledge sustained his spinal injury back in 1981 at his home.
"It was just a freak accident," says Rutledge.
The Paralyzed Veterans of America offer Jim and every veteran with a spinal cord injury the opportunity to get back into a sport.
"We're trying to get them out of the house and the VA hospitals and it helps them out with mind and body and wellness," Andy MacDonald the Shooting Sports Director of the Paralyzed Veterans of America non-profit.
"You know just because you're in a wheelchair doesn't mean you can't get out and be active," adds Rutledge.
All the folks are attending today’s national trap shooting event competing, but they're not all paralyzed.
"You can see it out here we've got great shooters, we've got novice shooters, we've got people who just want to show up and have a good time with other veterans," adds MacDonald.
This yearly event in Green Bay puts everyone on a level playing field and it also up's the competition by allowing anyone to participate.
"It's fun to beat an able bodied shooter. My wife usually beats me. I get tired of that,” jokes Rutledge.
Many of these vets will travel the Paralyzed Veterans of America shooting circuit across the country. And beyond just being given a shot to compete, nearly everyone one of them will tell you it's fun to hang out with fellow vets again.
If you are a paralyzed veteran and shooting isn't your thing the Paralyzed Veterans of America also get veterans back into sports like swimming, table tennis, fishing, bowling and you don't have to know anything about those sports to get involved either. You just need the desire to pick up a new sport. We've included a link to their page with all the details about how to get involved below.
pva.org/sports
