A group of 20-plus Wounded Warriors from the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum will come to Old Forge on Thursday, July 10 for a paddle down the Moose River.
Host members of Old Forge American Legion Post 893 will greet the paddlers and their military support staff at Tickner’s Canoes where they will pick up their crafts for transportation to the North Street drop-in point of the river.
Legion members will also meet the group at Indian Rapids to help with canoe portage. Upon return to Tickner’s, all will be transported to the legion post for a pizza and wing luncheon.
The paddling excursion was organized by Staff Sgt. Ron Haapala, Legion Post Commander Bill Ransom and member Dick Olson, with coordination by Dan Tickner, Sr.
Olson said that the idea for the adventure was suggested by Sgt. Haapala during the planning stages of the legion’s annual sponsorship of the Wounded Warrior Family Weekend outing in Old Forge which this year took place on June 21, 22, and 23rd.
During the weekend, four Wounded Warriors and their families enjoyed an expense-free mini vacation that included accommodations, visits to area attractions, and meals.
The weekend was made possible through the legion’s fund-raising efforts which includes a golf tournament that takes place the same weekend as the family outing.
“Through the Wounded Warrior programs coordinated by our local legion, a real bond has been created between Old Forge and the 10th Mt. Division. The military personnel who have been here with their families always comment on how welcome they feel here and recognize it as a great place to return to,” Olson said.
Olson credits the local business community for being military-friendly by offering them discounts.