Veterans who attended the first Black Bear Hunt Week August 2016. Left to right: Jim Roten, David Rogers, Bo Reichenbach, Dustin Jones, Harry Bar and Zachary S. Stinson sitting.
House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat, Lee, Maine. Construction near completion. Please show your support of our active duty and combat wounded with your financial donation.
Paying it Forward
“I arrived at HITW as a lost soul of sorts. I had been a firefighter EMT for 23 years. I was a Flight Medic in a UH-60 Blackhawk in the National Guard and after an injury during my Balken deployment in 2002, I was no longer medically able to do my firefighter job. No more Army Dustoff. No more firefighter. No more rescue guy. Suddenly everything that defined me was taken away.
I harvested a bear the first night I hunted. I stayed and socialized and connected with some old Vietnam vets. One evening Paul asked me if I could think of an activity or outdoor event vets might like? I said he should do a guide class for vets.
Paul called at the end of December to tell me there would be a 5-day guide’s school with Carol Ware the first week of January, 2014. He said I’d have to share a hotel room with another vet. That’s the way Paul is. He just puts it out there the way it is.
By March I was a Registered Maine Hunting, Fishing, and Recreation Guide. Something I always wanted to do but never could afford.
That was a turning point in my soul searching. I had found a way to help others again. I returned for the 2014 bear hunt as a guide, and in 2015, started to take vets out on fishing trips for rainbow trout and salmon at my camp. In 2015, I guided for the HITW turkey hunt. In September I returned for the HITW bear hunt. In November, I helped Luke House start a southern Maine HITW deer hunt.
I consider the time I spend guiding other veterans and helping HITW as my therapy. I am now defined as ” one of House in the Woods Pro- Staff guides” and locally as “that fella who takes vets hunting.” I like that, and I owe that to HITW.”
~Chris Brassard, Sgt. US Army Medevac retired/DAV~
It Takes a Veteran to Understand Another Veteran
“I shot a 19.4 lb Tom today. HITW is a very worthwhile organization. As a vet, I appreciate everything they do for veterans. The get-together is a renewing of old friends and friendships. They provide an opportunity for vets to connect with those of similar experiences, people with whom you can talk and recreate old good memories.”
~MSgt Mike Caruso, USAF Retired~May 7, 1958 – May 31, 1978~Japan ‘58-’59, Germany ‘61-’64, Iceland ‘68-’69
Hospitality Compassion Appreciation
“I had the opportunity this Fall to hunt with an amazing Outfitter, Paul House with House in the Wood. I’m a Outdoor TV Personality, but I was also a Soldier for over 20 years in the U.S. Army.
When I arrived until the time I left, I was treated like a king with HITW. They have an amazing program for hunting black bear in Maine. It was my first time ever hunting bear, but they took me under their wing and made sure that I had the tools to be successful.
I’ve never experienced such great hospitality, genuine compassion and sincere appreciation for being a veteran like I did with HITW. I was completely impressed with this organization and would definitely recommend this hunt and organization to anyone that loves the outdoors.
HITW does it right and their heart is in the right place. One of the very best hunts that I’ve ever been on! Amazing time, fellowship, and friendship! A hunt that I’ll never forget! Army Strong!”
~ Steve Holden, former 1st Sgt. E-8 31st CSH~
In the Peace & Quiet of Nature
“Just wanted to say that Paula Ayer Douglas and myself had a great time this week during the bear hunt. Neither of us harvested a bear but will never forget the great time and great people we met this week. With all the bad things happening in this world, it was awesome to see all the volunteers that fed us, guided us, and spent time with us. I am truly humbled. Thanks to all! What a great thing that Deanna House and Paul House are doing for the veterans. God bless you all.”
~Wendell Douglas~
We are a free, outdoor self-help program which remains flexible to the needs of those whom we serve. The only expense to participants is their transportation to Lee, Maine.
Using the recreational, therapeutic, and educational properties of Maine’s great wilderness and outdoor heritage, we form short-term retreats for participants to meet others with common military-related challenges and experiences.
Our Veterans Gather
Veterans ready for a day’s Black Bear Hunt with House in the Woods.
Combat Marine Outdoors joining House in the Woods for Black Bear Hunt. Practicing survival fire starting with combat wounded vets.
What is a Veteran
“A combat veteran is any GI who experiences any level of hostility for any duration resulting from offensive, defensive or friendly fire military action involving a real or perceived enemy in any foreign theater.”
~ American War Library ~
Sitting around the campfire at day’s end with veterans and guides, stories are shared of the day’s hunt.
As one soldier speaks of his loss of his brothers-in-arms, others join in to share memories.
There is the good: “He always had my back”….there is the bad: “Man, we never knew what hit us!”……..There is the brother sitting next to him with a huge hug and tears shared. These are our men! Our boys! Our sons! Our husbands! Our brothers!
These are our Heroes who just want some time away for a while breathing in the fresh woods air, fishing on the lakes, hunting in the woods and sharing with their comrades.
The healing begins, surrounded by Nature and those who understand and do not judge!
~ THESE ARE OUR VETERANS ~
You Can Help
Remember on Memorial Day, 4th of July or Veterans’ Day when you took your son to a parade and turned to him and said “We really need to support our troops. We should find a way to do something.” The day went on with other activities and some how that nice thought slipped away as your life’s daily responsibilities seemed enough to handle. Today you can do something to thank those who came home from World War II, Korea, Viet Nam, Desert Storm, Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, or Iraq with physical wounds apparent or PTSD well-hidden.
NOW is the time to step up and support the veterans throughout the United States in a way that continues giving. You can help a veteran or active military man or woman attend a safe, welcoming lodge where they can gather with others who understand the hardships of the combat wounded and those suffering from PTSD. Attendees from 25 states have enjoyed the events thus far. All accommodations and meals are FREE to all who attend.