Four Years of Service, Heart, and Unforgettable Moments at Wings of Valor Lodge
For the past four years, Eric Anderson has been a steady presence at Wings of Valor Lodge—someone who works hard, and gives his whole heart to the mission of serving our nation’s heroes. But if you ask him, he’ll tell you that he’s the one who’s been blessed by the experience.
Eric was introduced to WOVL by fellow volunteer Casey Hatch, and from the first moment he stepped onto the property, he knew he had found his place. “Pheasant hunting, trap shooting, and being outdoors are things I’ve always loved,” Eric shared. “Being able to do all of that in service to Veterans made it even more special.”
For Eric, volunteering isn’t just an activity—it’s a calling. He has always found joy in giving his time to meaningful organizations, but Wings of Valor Lodge stands apart. Every hunt holds a story. Every weekend, a new connection. And with each veteran he meets, the mission deepens.
Some of Eric’s favorite memories come from seeing the pure joy on a Veteran’s face as they harvest their very first pheasant. That moment—filled with pride, accomplishment, and sometimes even healing—is why Eric keeps coming back. “To see that smile, to witness that moment... that’s everything,” he says.
A dog handler, Eric also loves bringing his hunting dogs to the lodge, knowing how much comfort and joy those four-legged companions offer. His dog Jack, a Golden Retriever with an uncanny sense of intuition, once created a memory Eric will never forget.
During a Friday tower hunt, Eric noticed one of the Veterans sitting quietly. Jack made his way over—unprompted—and gently sat beside him. The Veteran rested his hand on Jack, and the two sat in peaceful stillness. Eric captured the moment in a photograph that has become one of his most cherished reminders of why he volunteers.
“This story isn’t just about Jack,” Eric says. “It’s about dogs in general. They bring peace. They know when someone needs them.”
Though Eric is not a Veteran himself, service runs through his family: a nephew serving as a Major in the Army National Guard and Army Ranger, and two cousins who served in the Navy. Giving back to those who have protected our nation feels deeply personal.
Wings of Valor Lodge is better because Eric is part of it—because he shows up, because he cares, and because he believes in the healing power of the outdoors, camaraderie, and simple acts of service. His story, like so many of our volunteers’, is a reminder that our mission is strongest when we live it together.
Thank you, Eric, for your dedication, your compassion, and the joy you bring to our Veterans—and for sharing Jack with us, too.
