Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility

Back in the early days of January, Tom Love had an idea to turn some of his land into something that disabled veterans could visit and enjoy. This is when the Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility came into perspective.

Love then proposed the idea to members of the Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post 59 in Dexter, MO. With it being the great idea that it is, Kenady-Hanks quickly offered to jump on board and get the plan in action.

The area now dedicated to the Disabled Veterans Wildlife Facility, is known as Gobbler Ridge Farms and was initially developed for wildlife. Love commented, “It’s a wonderful area.”

Recently, a number of improvements have been made to Gobbler Ridge Farms in hopes of making it accessible for everyone. Some of the in-depth improvements to the area include: huge road improvement, handicap accessible ramp, a heated blind when used for hunting, and portable bathroom facilities.

Also, in addition to improvements made to the outside area, a cabin has been under construction. The cabin is intended for the veterans to be able to stay over night. The cabin has recently been worked on in much depth in order to make it more handicap-accessible.

Love said of the area, “It’s not just for hunting. It’s a great place to be for wildlife viewing and even photography.”

One of the features of Gobbler Ridge is the blind, which are elevated for hunting and completely wheelchair accessible. The blind is safe and comfortable.  There are also ground blinds, which are also wheelchair accessible and provide mobility and maximize use due to seasons, weather, and wildlife movement.

Also among the Gobbler Ridge Farms is a staging area used for disabled veterans meetings, meals while using the facility, preparation for hunting, and also relaxing. Meals and snacks are provided for veterans as needed or requested. Guides are available for hunting and any other use of the facility.

Although Tom Love, family, friends, and members of the Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post 59 have put in much work for this project, many other people have helped with donations. “I couldn’t even begin to list everyone that have helped with donations.”

Even though there are many things available at Gobbler Ridge Farms, there are still needs that need to be met. A few of those needs that would be greatly appreciated are: fertilizer, seed, fuel, chemicals, ATV’s, golf carts, Tillage Equipment, materials for road maintenance, food, and also insurance.

Donations of any type are tax deductible and all donors will be presented in news articles in local papers. Special articles will appear featuring Veterans in actual use of the facility, and in conjunction with these, donors will be highlighted.

Donations are welcome anytime and can be made to:  D.V. Outdoor Fund

Mail to: American Legion Post 59, P.O. Box 446, Dexter, MO 63841

Feel free to check out the website at :www.facebook.com/DisabledVeteransWildlifeFacility

Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post 59 in cooperation with Gobbler Ridge Farms is one of the few projects in Missouri that is operated privately without severe government restrictments.

This was a great idea by Mr. Tom Love and everyone who has donated their time and money is greatly appreciated. This is a great project that is appreciated by many people. Hopefully this good project will continue for a very long time.

Shown in the photo enjoying Gobbler Ridge Farms are Starling Guinn and Robert Crow WWII Veterans. They are shown in the photo on the right with Tom Love and members of Kenady-Hanks American Legion Post 59