On December 6th and 7th, we had the privilege of hosting hunters from Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Florida, and Minnesota. The lodge was filled with smiles, laughter, and unforgettable moments. If you are passionate about supporting our veterans, join us.  Wings of Valor Lodge takes pride in sharing our mission for and with veterans, donors, and, indeed, volunteers.

Phillip got involved with Wings Of Valor in December 2021. He was one year into his recovery and his experience at Wings of Valor Lodge was so impactful that he knewI he had to get involved. The peace that he felt while here was something that he hadn’t felt in over 15 years.

Wings of Valor Lodge showed Phillip that there is joy in life.

The lodge is something that Phillip holds near and dear to his heart. He has seen veterans walk-through the doors, and the transformation when they leave is something that cannot be replicated.

The love, the compassion, the camaraderie, are just a few things the lodge has to offer. to see the look on a veterans face when he or she is the recipient of that is nothing short of amazing.

Phillip served in bravo Company first battalion first Marines, United States Marine Corps from 2002 to 2010. He had three deployments to Iraq

His favorite memory at the lodge is attending his first hunt with his great friend, Ray Pizarro. He was the type of friend that only comes along once in a lifetime.. Phillip is humbled and thankful to have had the time to share with him.

Ray passed away in January 2022. Ray & Phillip had made plans to become volunteers at Wings Of Valor. Before he passed away, Ray asked Phillip to carry on his legacy.

Ray asked Phillip to find veterans that are struggling and help them out of their own darkness, and that is what he does to this day.

#SupportingThoseWhoServed #WingsOfValorLodgeSD

Wings of Valor Lodge plays a huge part in that legacy and I am forever grateful.

Michelle has been volunteering with the lodge for four years.

She was inspired to get involved since Sanford (her employer) gives employees time to pay it forward and give back to the organization of our choice. She was a part of the first “Blue Crew” clean-up day.

Michelle says “The lodge is like that hug you did not know you needed until it happens. The lodge has a peace about it that leaves each guest, volunteer, and visitor speechless. The feeling of coming “HOME” is a combination of all the little things plus those paying it forward for the right reason that make the experience like no other. It has allowed me to add to my extended family. Each guest leaves a little lighter from the ability to share in a SAFE space. The lodge is truly my happy place!”

Michelle served as an enlisted 88M (truck driver) and then as an 88A (Transportation Officer) taking the convoys down the road.

She has many great memories from her journey so far. The following are a few highlights:

*All the conversations that have happened around the fire pit. If the fire pit could talk. People tend to draw to the fire even in the crazy cold.

*Being able to be a part of all the firsts and see how the lodge has grown.

*Privileged to be an ambassador, to continue to share the story and experience of the lodge.

*volunteer clean up days and meeting new people who also want to pay it forward for the betterment of the lodge.

#SupportingThoseWhoServed #WingsofValorLodgeSD