Soon Mother Nature will pull out all the stops to create her masterpiece of brilliant reds, oranges and yellows. Leaves are beginning to show their colors this week. Summer was great fun and a very busy season for all!! I think most of us…except perhaps the kids…are ready for the next season. Temps are dropping, it was a hotter than usual summer this year! Welcome less humidity, cooler mornings, cooler evenings, warm Indian Summer days. September 22nd is the first day of Autumn.
Many think of Autumn as Harvest Time. At House in the Woods we’ve been having a Black Bear harvest time!!!
There has been three weeks of hunting of black bear at our lodge during our 2018 Black Bear Hunting event. Veterans and active military alike staying at the lodge for five days per week. New friendships are forged between the veterans and their Maine Guides.
Take a moment to see a new video of House in the Woods!!
HUNTING WITH GREAT GUIDES
Guides and Veterans Gather
We were honored to have 40 hunters and 18 guides and guide assistants for the event of Black Bear Hunting. Fabulous people, generous souls, gathering to have an excellent experience in the wood of Maine. But more so, new, lifelong friendships were born. Veterans young and old, active military, combat wounded and many volunteers who made the week at House in the Woods lodge a week to remember!
IN THEIR WORDS:
Joe Wesner: Pretty fun first full day at House in the Woods!! Had main “Lobstah” and watched a wood carver carve a bear out of a tree trunk. Out looking for Yogi tomorrow!…
This past week was one of the best weeks I’ve had in a long time! I had the awesome opportunity to go to House in the Woods in Lee, Maine with 15 other combat veterans to hunt black bear! We showed up not knowing anyone, and left at the end of the week great friends. It really was a great group of guys! All the guides were unbelievably knowledgeable and worked their butts off for us! They really showed a passion for what they do and helping vets!….
There really are no words to describe how awesome the week was! If you don’t know about House in the Woods and their story, take a few minutes and read about it! HOUSE IN THE WOODS Paul and his wife Deanna really care about the veterans, and it shows in their actions! I can’t thank them enough for this amazing opportunity!!……Joe Wesner, Retired U.S. Army, Founder/Executive Director of Ultimate Veteran Adventures, Pennsylvania where he takes veterans of all eras, active duty personnel, and Gold Star Families on hunting and fishing adventures around the country. They are all 100% volunteer staff and combat veterans. Connect with them at the link below:
David Calhoun… Wow. Was in Gods Country around Gods people that Gave us the of Gods Guides to Harvest Gods Most wonderful creatures on earth the Black Bear what else could you ever want in life we as Veterans had it all in Lee, Maine !
Jimmy Wagner, Active Duty U.S. Army, 3rd SQDN, 71st Cavalry Regiment “The Ghost Squadron”: What an amazing experience! Absolutely breath taking country, gorgeous cabin, and unbelievable volunteers! I came to Maine to hunt bear and will leave with life long friends. Thank you so much Mr. Paul House for taking care of all our vets and thank you for the opportunity! Also shout out to Clint Richardson, Pam, and Tom! Thank you!!
Tom Gardella: Final afternoon for me to hunt. It will happen or it won’t. (pictured here at last year’s hunt) Either way, it has been a great experience with my son Justin and all the amazing people at House in the Woods and the State of Maine! Special thanks to Hunting With A Hero, Paul House, Deanna House, Jim Neville, Big Al, Tom, Don, Pam Danny, Mal, Paul and all of the volunteers that make everything so great at House in the Woods…….The journey home after a successful hunt with Justin. What a great time making new friends, seeing old ones and enjoying the Maine Outdoors!
Bangor International Airport is excellent! Until next time… Thom.
For those of you new to HITW, Bangor is where you will arrive if you fly in commercial aircraft. Many smaller airstrips are available for the smaller aircraft!!
Justin Gardella did get his bear. Pictured with guides Pam Drinkwater (L.) and Don Haselton (R.)
Justin Brennan: This place is so much more than just the hunt. The people are amazing. The volunteers make you feel like family and show there are still good people in the world. Thank you and God bless you House family. Having an amazing week and was able to take this beautiful bear Monday afternoon in Maine all thanks to Paul House and Deanna House they are truly wonderful people with an outstanding program. Thank you so much. Also thank you to all the staff and volunteers at House In The Woods.
Tom Lathham with son Tiago: Thanks to House in the Woods for a great bear hunt.
Pam Drinkwater Ward, Maine Guide:It’s been a couple of weeks since I left guiding at HITW yet I have made friends forever. I have since heard from guides that I worked with and veterans that came hunting. It was memories that I will never forget. A handmade knife that was given to me by one of the hunters, and an unexpected holster and a funny shirt for my birthday while I was there. The veterans were all so appreciative of their trip to HITW. I went there to help them have a great time, but came home with more th an I gave. Happy to have had the opportunity to have volunteered.
Pam lives in Houlton, Maine and has been a guide for nine years. She owns and operates Mainely Adventures Lodge in Houlton.
Hunting With a Hero is another great nonprofit for veterans which often sends our combat Warriors to events at House in the Woods. We’re always so glad to see them come to Black Bear Week.
Hunting With a Hero: Congratulations to hunter Justin Gardella on his bear with House in the Woods. We can’t say enough about our love and friendship with Paul and Deanna and all they have done with us.
Bear going for the bait. Courtesy of Jim Neville.
Feeding the Hunters and Crew
Each week during Black Bear Hunting we welcome our veterans, guides and active military with a lobster feed. Fresh Maine lobster with all the fixings! With the help of many, many volunteers and generosity of businesses and community members our pantry is stocked and our commercial kitchen filled with fresh foods for three meals per day.
Joe Wesner has his pick of lobsters for lunch!
Jake Kerstetter: I absolutely had a blast! Great place great people. Even though I didn’t get a bear it was still such a great group of people to surround yourself with. I sincerely thank all the volunteers of House in the Woods I hope to have the opportunity to come back !!
Interview with Clint Richardson, Maine Guide
Pictured is Paul House (L.) with Clint
So as I reflect back on last week it’s hard to put into words what it meant to me. Spending a week at HITW guiding true American heroes. Men who put there bodies on the line for us was simply amazing. We killed bears, shared stories and all around bonded. I hope I’ve made some friends for life because these are the guys you want in your corner. To each and everyone of you. Thank you. It was my honor to spend the week with you.…Clint
Clint was one of the veterans who took Jim Neville’s class to become a Maine Guide, held at House in the Woods this past spring .
Clint served in the U.S. Army from 1997-2000, stationed at Fort Hood Texas when he was deployed to Bosnia. His primary MOS was 63E M1A1 Hull Systems Mechanic and drove the M88 recovery vehicle.
He grew up in the Maine woods hunting and fishing…
Clint shares: I’ve always revered the title Maine Guide, so I took it on as a challenge to myself to see if I had what it takes. It wasn’t easy but I was able to do it. I don’t see myself ever quitting my job at Hinckley Yachts in Trenton Maine where I work the diesel engine and hydraulic installation, sea trial and delivery of new boats. I don’t plan to guide full time, but I do hope to do some on the side. I’m married to a wonderful woman and have three great kids that also love hunting and fishing. My oldest two have already killed bear and deer each.
Clint was guide for Michael James, TX, Joe Wesner, PA, Jason Wrubel, NY, David Calhoun, FL and Timothy James-Paul Yates, MT.
Jason Wrubel (l.) with Clint
Timothy James Paul-Yates (r.)
Michael James (L)
David Calhoun (R)
Becky Saulnier, a U.S. Army Veteran, shares: Spent the past few days helping out with a Bear hunt at HITW. The Veterans were awesome and we had some great conversations and laughs. It was awesome to work with some of the guides that help out up there too. I have learned A LOT in just a couple of days. Very grateful for the opportunity to learn from all of them and I look forward to learning more. Didn’t see any bear but had one circle us then blow at us a lot. Surprised us for sure! We did get to see a red squirrel get caught in a bait bag he did get out but it was funny when he panicked LOL. We also got to witness some raccoon take our bait back down which was kind of funny but not at the same time. Very honored to get the opportunity to sit with these veterans and experience the hunt with them.
I’m now officially a Registered Maine Guide! 
Thank you to all that made this happen! Big shout out to Jim Neville at Jim Neville Outdoors for teaching an amazing guide course! If you are thinking about becoming a guide I highly recommend contacting Jim about taking his course. It really helped me A Lot! I felt prepared and confident walking into my test! A thank you to House In The Woods as well for the offer to take the course! I’m honored to finally wear this patch. I will wear it with pride and honor. Thank you to everyone who gave me support through this! Now off to work!…
Each year our compatriots at Combat Marine Outdoors escort some of the veterans to Black Bear Hunting. We are always so glad to see CMO walk through our doors..like brothers coming home.
Along with their veterans they also brought some stunning gifts for House in the Woods.
The inscription reads: Presented to Paul and Dee House. House in the Woods. Thank you for your generous hospitality and unwavering support to the War Fighters.
Semper Fidelis
September 1- September 8, 2018
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
WARRIORS ETHOS
I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade.
Combat Maine Outdoors: To Paul and Deanna House and all of the wonderful citizens of Lee Maine who made our warriors feel like family. The House in the Woods Military Retreat was; once again, a grand success.
Along the Trail You Will Always See Signs of Nature
Paul House shares: I know a lot of people have seen a mountain lion, but for me this was the first. Our intern from Unity college, Tubco and I saw a mountain lion about 10:30 this morning about 20 yards in front of our side by side as we were coming out from bear baiting. The cat was not in any hurry as he crossed the road. He was pretty good sized, and his track is to the right of the shoe in this picture. It measured 4.25 inches across.
Guide Pam Drinkwater and veteran Jim Wagner came across a moose in the headlights.
Hollaback Guide Service, Bailyville, Maine
Paul speaks: A big thank you to Hollaback Guide Service and the boys from Virginia for a successful hunt!! Thank you Jason for your service to our great country!! What an honor to be with you on this hunt!!
Hollaback Guide service: Congratulations to our US Veteran Jason Caudle from Pace Florida on a successful Donated hunt collaborated by Hollaback Guide Service/ House in the Woods….Paul House runs a great facility for veterans and their families to honor them for their service and sacrifices…..We got involved to do the first ever donated hound hunt….Jason we all salute you & thank you for your service……Jason is a purple heart recipient and we were all honored to be a part of this experience with you!…..Hounds had it bayed on ground as we slipped in and broke bay 3 times before treed…..perfect shot ended this huge trophy….a hunt and hero I’ll always remember……congratulations again brother! Hollaback Guide Service
Just Fishin’…..Two Justins at the Penobscot
Justin Brennan
Justin Gardella
Relaxing and fishing the Penobscot River after harvesting their bears.
Justin Gardella: That fishing trip was great, thanks again Ed LaRue!
Justin Brennan: Had a blast. We beat up the small~mouth that day.
Blaine Anthony, known as The Bear Whisper, a Maine native has spent a week here at House in the Woods. Camera crew and all! Blaine, Twyla Jean, and Jeff are great folks.
Funny stories, great folks and a blast to be around!
Blaine Anthony is a familiar face to national TV viewers hosting shows such as Freedom Fighters, North American Safari, Bear Whisperer, The Search and Hitmen for over 11 years. Blaine also runs and owns one of the largest outdoor television production companies, Nature Productions.
Blaine spent his childhood traveling the world as a “Military Brat” living in places as far away Okinawa, Ethiopia, and all over North America. In his late teens and early twenty’s, Blaine worked for large corporations running businesses until finally settling in Maine. Blaine then traded the suits and fancy cars for his love of the outdoor lifestyle and began his career in outdoor television. He now works full time in the outdoor industry with over 8 original productions to his credit and is responsible for dozens of other productions currently in the outdoor industry.
Volk Packaging: One of our steadfast and dedicated sponsors of House in the Woods is Derek Volt, owner of Volk Packaging. Derek shot some video while visiting the lodge and we’d like to share that with you.
We would like to thank Mike Gould for the donation of this coyote and a hunting rifle in honor of his father Clarence A. Gould.
Diane Blackman Freelove: It’s been such a privilege to work at House in the Woods these last three weeks. What a joy to give a little to these heroes. I am truly honored to say I know each of you. Once again I want to thank each veteran and your family for your sacrifice and service to our country.
40 hunters, 18 guides and assistants, 55 kitchen/housekeeping volunteers..
So very thankful to all the volunteer guides, kitchen & housekeeping workers,sponsors, and all those who donated food, money & supplies to make this years bear hunt so successful. You have helped 40 vets have a peaceful, relaxing, fun and healing time. Without each and every contribution, no matter the size, we could not have done this.
A special thanks to Justin and Jessica Cloukey for your great help in organizing the many donations of food and meal supplies through businesses and residents alike. It takes an army to pull that off!! You two ROCK!!! Two outstanding people who have been staunch supporters of House in the Woods.
Courtesy of AUGUSTA (NEWS CENTER Maine) — Maine’s gold star families will soon have a new memorial in their honor in Augusta.
The state legislature has approved the construction of such a monument on the north side of Capitol Park.
On Saturday, September 24, 2018 a groundbreaking and dedication for the memorial were held with dozens of Gold Star Parents in attendance. Read the full story at the following link:
Deanna House, Director of Administrative Services and Mother of a Fallen Hero, SSGT. Joel A House, took part in the ceremony on Saturday accompanied by her son Luke House and grandson Joel House.
OUR FALLEN HEROES
September 30, 2018 Gold Star Mother’s Day
Each year on the last Sunday in September, America celebrates National Gold Star Mother’s Day. National Gold Star Mother’s Day is a day that was created to recognize and honor those that have lost their son or daughter while serving our country in the United States Armed Forces.
Qui Emery with husband Bill
Deanna House
A gold star symbolizes a family member who died while serving the United States Armed Forces. The American Gold Star Mother’s, Inc. was incorporated in 1929 and obtained a federal charter from the United States Congress. It began in the Washington DC area and soon expanded to include affiliated groups throughout the United States.
On June 23, 1936, a joint congressional resolution designated the last Sunday in September as Gold Star Mother’s Day and this holiday has been observed each year by a presidential proclamation.
SGT. Joel House
SSGT. Blair Emery
We want to honor each and every God Star Mother who has lost a son or daughter. Those of us with family members in active duty know at each deployment there is a risk of our loved one making the ultimate sacrifice defending our Country. Our prayers remain with each of you as a mother losing a child. Please know how deeply we honor your loss and know that we pray for you and your families daily.
September has been an outstanding month at House in the Woods! We had the opportunity to meet new veterans and spend some absolutely quality time with them hunting, sharing dinner or in great conversation. Our time with our friends from other nonprofit veteran’s organizations who annually escort some veterans and active duty military is always such a welcome week.
None of this is possible without the generosity of our supporters and volunteers. Thank you for believing in our mission and understanding the great value to our combat wounded and active Armed Forces.
The House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat’s Mission is to create a therapeutic, recreational, and educational retreat for our nation’s U.S. armed forces and their families, using outdoor wilderness activities in Maine and natural habitats to help participants share common challenges related to their service and sacrifice in protecting our nation’s freedom and democratic ideals.
If you would like to know more about our mission, our story of how our lodge became a reality and why we do this to honor all our veterans, please visit our website link below:
Or contact us at:
HOUSE IN THE WOODS
217 SKUNK HILL ROAD
LEE, MAINE 04455
207/570-4421
Paul House’s Cell: 207/570-4806
