This story started with a phone call out of the blue from Linda, a great lady and a Blue Star mom in Youngsville asking me could donations be sent to Patriot Hunts at the request of Patti Elliott, a mother that just lost her son, Lucas Elliott, in Basra Iraq, a MP attached to the 805th MP CO in Cary. This young man loved the outdoors so much so that Patti knew this is what Lucas would want. He was hooked on hunting and fishing and encouraged everyone he knew to get involved in it. I really did not know how to respond at first, but knew we definitely wanted to help however we could. The next thing I knew a gentleman named Wayne Daniels sends my a flyer saying they are having a Memorial carwash fundraiser in Franklinton, NC. Within a few days the interest and response for this event began to grow, and grow, and I knew this was something I felt I needed to attend, so I told Wayne both my wife Pam and I would be there. I had no idea what to expect, and honestly felt a little funny especially on the ride to Franklinton that day. When we pulled into the parking lot, Wayne had already set up the wash, with music, banners, a hotrod with POW symbols all over it, and a great big smile. We fell right in with this crowd of Patriots, and it seemed like we were old friends. When Patti Elliott arrived we just looked at each other and embraced one another, she knew why I was there, and sadly I knew why she was there. Patti was very thankful we came to this event, but honestly I was the one that was thankful, and humbled to have been approached by the Blue Star Mothers of NC, with this request.
The Blue Star mothers were so supportive and helpful to everyone especially Patti, during this terrible time, and we made friends instantly. Riders from the Rolling Thunder chapter also were there and presented both Pam and I with Memorial Patches they had made for the event. The local Police department stopped by to support the event. A (Big) thanks to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association who sent a big donation on behalf of Lucas also. Rain poured down all day, on and off with high winds at time, but I tell you this, spirits could not have been dampened this day. These friends, these neighbors, these Patriots, came out to honor this young man Lucas Elliott, and weather was not going to stop them. They kept smiles going all day during this terrible weather, and were determined to see this through, which they did. The big guy, Wayne Daniels who organized this event is truly a great individual and never stopped working, he contacted everyone, including the local newspaper, business owners, bikers, anyone that would listen to him, regarding support for this cause.
Patriot Hunts provides outdoor experiences for Wounded Warriors and Gold Star children of fallen soldiers, and because of wonderful people like this we will continue our efforts. We have a great event planned for Oct. for our Gold Star families. We made some great friends that day, and our paths will cross again I assure you. There are no words of comfort I can offer Patti Elliott, other than this:
Although Lucas’s life was all to short, he knew exactly what he wanted and where he was going at the time he left this world. He was proudly serving this country so others would not have to in the name of Freedom. Because he loved the outdoors so much, and through your generosity, wounded veterans, and children that have lost a parent will be given the same chance like Lucas, to experience the outdoors, and maybe follow the path Lucas did.
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for a friend”
